Brixton Market Traders Federation is appealing for help to restore the historic barrows of Brixton Market and to keep its unique character alive. A fundraising target of £13,600 needs to be met by 31 May. A crowdfunding campaign is underway.
Brixton has some of the last surviving historical barrows in London. Those that have survived have been passed down through trading families and are from an era when goods were transported all across the city by horse and cart.
Market traders’ CEO Stuart Horwood said: “All the barrows have been patched up from time to time, but as they age the timber gets worn and the iron tyres loosen.
The lack of specialist wheelwrights in London means traders aren’t able to get the wheels fixed properly – eventually the barrows become unusable.
“We are now down to 12 original barrows in total.”
The project is supported by Lambeth council (£10k) and the Heritage of London Trust (£15k).
But for all the barrows to be restored another £13,600 needs to be raised. A crowdfunder campaign has been launched to raise the remaining funds (details below).
Horwood told the Bugle: “This is a chance for the local community to pitch in and show their support.
“With your help, a carpenter’s workshop will be set up under Brixton’s railway arches this summer – you’ll be able to see local Brixton carpenter Mari Reijnders at work on the barrows while the project is under way.
All wood will be repaired and repainted, keeping the original timber where possible.
“A specialist wheelwright will replace the wheels, and the historic lettering, once marking owner and pitch, will be recarved.”
This is a joint project between Brixton Market Traders Federation, the Heritage of London Trust and Lambeth council. The restoration will be project managed by Brixton Market Traders Federation, combining their long experience in the market with a commitment to its viable future.
Join the campaign contribute.
