Over 130 Events, a Dozen Locations, 10 Years of So Last Century

This May at the Mansion sees a So Last Century double, with the vintage fair returning on each of the upcoming bank holidays. Plus, 2026 marks SLC’s 10th year, so what better time to speak with founder, Alan Old about the past decade of So Last Century.

Alan’s connection to all things vintage began during his time training and working as an architect, refurbishing large houses and apartments in central London. Around 15 years ago Alan shifted towards antiques, becoming a dealer around Beckenham and Crystal Palace. And so the seeds for So Last Century were sown.

Much like his refurbishment work, Alan treated each event as its own project and began to see similarities, “visualising, planning, scheduling and communicating were all skills that transferred over.”

So Last Century began in Beckenham in 2015 at a time when there were only a handful of pop-up vintage markets running in London. “South East London seemed to be lacking, so we decided it was time to bring a slice of the action here!”

With the Mansion re-opening its doors in 2016 – the timing seemed too good to be true. “As soon as I heard the news, I didn’t waste time getting in touch for a look around.” For Alan it was a great fit to be hosting vintage markets in such a historic building, “it’s such a focal point – a magnet for people and activities.”

Since then, public interest in buying second-hand, well-made items has continued to grow – “awareness of climate change and exploitation, along with global uncertainty, have all had effects.” For Alan, the look and feel of the Mansion fits this aesthetic perfectly. “I love that it hasn’t been restored, instead retaining a rather romantic, jaded appearance that’s full of character and traces of the passage of time.”

Alan’s personal interest is in furniture and interior design from the 50s through to the 90s and this forms the base of what the traders at So Last Century offer. From there he always ensures that there is a broad and balanced range at every market. “That way, you should be able to find something you want (and something you never expected to want!).”

A lot of the traders at So Last Century have been working with Alan for years, and like Alan many, have pivoted into buying and selling vintage items after working in creative fields. “What they all have in common is a knowledge of and enthusiasm for what they specialise in, as well as the ability to create the most amazing displays.”

After organising more than 130 events at a dozen different locations, what keeps Alan motivated to keep So Last Century going? “I’m continually fascinated by the transitory nature of the events; the imagined picture during planning, the blank canvas on the morning of the market, watching it bursting into life, flowering, and then melting back into an empty space again – I hope I’m lucky enough to keep them coming back to the Mansion for a few more years yet.”

As the relationship between the Mansion and So Last Century enters into its 10th year, we’re very excited to continue to see the much-loved vintage market grow and morph – starting with the double bill this May!

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As well as holding markets at the Mansion, So Last Century currently pops up twice a year at St Dunstan’s College in Catford, Goldsmiths University in New Cross and at Dulwich Picture Gallery. This year, they’re also holding monthly markets at Merton Abbey Mills in south Wimbledon, from May until September.

You can follow So Last Century on Instagram here, and keep up to date with all their future events.

The next So Last Century dates at the Mansion are: Monday 4th May & Monday 25th May, 10am – 5pm.