The word bric-a-brac excites me beyond measure. I can't even pinpoint a specific reason why but I know it does. Equally, leave me alone to browse a market selling food, clothes, furniture or all of the above and I'm a very happy girl. It may be that I form attachments to other peoples throwaways - that would probably explain my obsession with charity shops. Or it could be the thrill of discovering something extraordinary buried in junk. I like to think it's my romantic temperament that brings on the sweet exhilaration at any bric-a-brac sale. I don't see junk, I see stories and adventure when I go rummaging. Every object and item of clothing becomes sentimental, funny, dangerous, confusing; it all makes for great conversation and random daydreams. It could also have something to do with the inspired vision that comes with growing up in a working-class family; the ability to see potential even with a broken shelf. 


I popped over to the Restore Community Projects this week and guess what I discovered? A new section for bric-a-brac. I wanted to hug the operations manager when he told me. I was beside myself with joy. Instead of giving the poor guy a heart attack, I instantly bought a vase hand painted with daisies. It has a small hole in the bottom and it cost me £3. I can't fill it with water or put any flowers in it (unless they're plastic) but it doesn’t change that this vase is my new favourite thing to look at on my windowsill. 


Apart from a new bric-a-brac section to keep me entertained every Saturday morning, Restore Community Projects is an inspiring place. Walking into the main warehouse; filled with donated, discounted furniture for those who may not be able to afford furniture from high street stores, is just a wonder. Rows and rows of sofas, shelves, fridges, cookers, dining tables, wardrobes and anything else you need to fill a home. Whether you need it or not, once you're in there, you find yourself wondering how a chest of drawers could transform your bedroom. And that's not to mention the great price, which will get you thinking of the great chest in the first place. 


The group at Restore Community Projects, go into homes, hotels, recycling centres, shops etc. collecting furniture to sell at the warehouse space in Tottenham Hale. To buy from them at a special reduced price, you would need to provide evidence of low income, on benefits, a student or an OAP. Otherwise, all items are priced with a (still pretty low) secondary tag. All around the warehouse, you'll find pictures and art, if it's not hanging as a display item, it's for sale - starting from £5. The operations manager says they're hoping to sell more pictures and art from the community and so local artists should get in contact. If you find any framed beauties in your shed, please do donate them. Who knows, if it doesn't sell, it could be just the thing to inspire my next daydream. 

This was written in February 2014