Foot Loose in Hatton Garden.
If you enjoy browsing in showrooms, then come with me for a walk around Hatton Garden. First to our hosts Cooksons, once Exchange Findings. Take a ticket and head for the bookshelf, or a last minute search of the catalogue. When your number is called, look for the smiling face at the counter and order something you have been tempted by. I was thinking of the solder cutting pliers. They only clip one paillion at a time, but they bring out the closet ticket inspector in me.
Next there is Walsh’s with a brave show of tools, benches and larger equipment. They also have some sundries I think of as stocking fillers, such as the key ring pliers. Then left into Greville Street, where you will find the Mini Assay Office. Opposite is ‘Platform’, a craft gallery well worth the detour.
Turning back into to Hatton Garden you will see Holts, a glamorous showroom of gemstones and made up jewellery, set out to invite the public. They are pricy for gem shopping, but occasionally come to the rescue with something rare or must-have. In the other half of Greville Street nearby, you will find Bellore, full of chains, cable, thongs, findings, stones, beads, crystals and some good tools in the basement.
Now right into Leather Lane market. S&M Hardware is halfway along on the left. From the street there is little to indicate that this is an Aladdin’s cave of less expensive jewellers’ tools and discounted Proxxon items. I challenge you to spend time here without buying something. On leaving take one of the cross streets to New House, at 67 Hatton Garden, just opposite where we began. On the third floor you will find the showroom of Marcus McCallum. They research top of the range gemstones from far off places, but warn your card company first, or they might query your purchase.
Not tired yet? Well, further east along Clerkenwell Road is Clerkenwell Green, the home of the renowned Lesley Craze Gallery. Check first because they have variable opening times. Lastly make for AE Ward & Son in Albermarle way. They are the real thing for gemstone shopping, fairly priced and always busy; no pressure to buy if you are just looking. They Will also value stones and cut and drill them on the premises. Feet hurt? Take a rest in one of the many cafés of the area. Then head for the Tube and if you see a busker, tip him a coin. Dennis
Tempted in Cooksons: Solder cutting pliers and clippings.
Walsh: Key ring pliers stocking filler.
Holts must have: Composite stone I made into a pendant.
McCallum: Fancy Amethyst made into a pendant.
Plan of the area.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Dennis
Bookmarks