As a freshman in Cardiff, I would never expect that I could fall in love so easily with this secret magical place, Rose St, Flea Market.
Hidden in an unimpressive two story house, which looks like a shabby garage at the first sight, the flea market on Rose Street appeals to loads of antique lovers every weekend(9am-5pm).
If you are passionate about something historical, vintage or classic, it will not let you down. Basically, you can hardly imagine what kind of treasures you are going to rummage out from here.
With few signs to show the “existence” of the flea market, it is quite humble and unpretentious. However, when walking inside, one would definitely be impressed by the hoard of antiques, all styles of clothes, yellowed books, faded pictures, musical instruments, etc, piled up from floor to ceiling.
If favored and lucky enough, you probably could be offered a good price of purchase by the owner, a eccentric but friendly guy, who is said to be pretty casual about his bargain policy. So show your courtesy and glamour and go get a nice bargain.
Frank, the owner and runner of this flea market, started to collect when he was eight and opened this flea market in 2011. When talking about the idea of starting this career, Frank said:” When all the stuff started piling up, an idea just came into my brain suddenly: why not open a flea market? There’s nowhere else alike in Cardiff!” This is the 50th year of Frank living in Cardiff. Rose St, Flea Market, as his lifetime pursuit, witnessed and would be witnessing his personal road-map.
And perhaps unsurprisingly, Frank is not in a hurry to expand the reputation and publicity of his market although increasing repeat customers are flocking into this unassuming accommodation at weekends. That is why you could hardly find information about it on Facebook or Twitter. I am deeply touched when someone is stick to his own faith and keep it simple.
This magical place is stuffed with stories, adventures, partings and reunions. A illustrator from North Devon called Jake Rowles(@jakerowles) produced a graphic novel based on a coincidence in Rose St Flea Market. This novel is named as The Photo, which tells a story of a struggling writer who believes he has spotted a potential murder in an old photograph found in Flea Market.
Go and start your own treasure hunt in this wonderful land right now.
