BIRGU FLEA MARKET FINDS

HEAD OVER TO THE FORTINI FOOTBALL GROUND IN BIRGU ON A SUNDAY MORNING AND YOU’LL FIND ALL SORTS OUT FOR A BARGAIN AT THE WEEKLY FLEA MARKET. YOUNG MIGRANT FAMILIES LOOKING FOR GREAT DEALS ON CLOTHES, ELDERLY COLLECTORS SHREWDLY CASTING A BEADY EYE OVER STALLS THEY’VE COMBED A THOUSAND TIMES, AND US, THE YOUNG CREATIVES, LOVERS OF INTERIORS, LOOKING TO FURTHER ECLECTICISE OUR HOMES.

Even if one leaves empty-handed - a rare event - the social aspect of the early, pre-breakfast buzz is always worth the Sunday morning wake-up call. A couple of regular bargain hunters share some of their favourite finds.

Sarah Muscat Azzopardi @on_sunset_hill

"I've been going to the Birgu flea market since my student days – a good number of years before I had my own home to house all my (many) finds! Back then, I'd mostly look for trinkets to decorate my room, or old frames and materials I could upcycle for my embroidery projects over at @the_secret_rose. Then, when Richard and I bought our first home together, I'd be on the lookout for anything that would make sense for our eclectic, modern rustic home decor. There have been many finds I've loved over the years, and I'm going to cheat a little when it comes to my favourite –rather than one piece, I'm going to choose my collection of vintage utilitarian ceramics. From antique jam jars to ceramic gin bottles and planters, I love them all – the more worn out, the better!"

Matthew Camilleri @mattlleri

"Most of my suitcases are from the Birgu Market, in fact, I go by the nickname ‘Tal-Bagalji ’ by many vendors there. I’ve collected over 200 suitcases which are now a feature wall in my old bedroom-cum-vintage-stuff room. I love old suitcases, there’s always something different from one to another. One of them was owned by Esprit Barthet (a fa mous local artist) and another belonged to my grandfather whom I never met - they’re definitely my two favourites."

WORDS VENUS CHIRCOP