Hamilton’s reputation is tainted by the view of pollution-belching, steel plants along the Queen Elizabeth Way — that’s often all Torontonians see of the place as they whiz by en route to cross-border shopping in Buffalo. I admit that used to be my view as well, until I became a Hamiltonian for a short time while studying at McMaster University.
Locke Street South is one of my favorite Hamilton haunts. Sometimes called “antique alley”, the strip is full of antique and home décor stores, alternative grocers, cafes, bakeries and bistros. A recent visit to a few shops confirms that the neighbourhood continues to please.
Upstairs at 174 Locke Street South is PURE Home Couture (top pic and above). Originally at a much smaller street-level location, PURE moved to its present, grand, second-story space about three years ago. Your climb is rewarded by the inviting loft-like space reminiscent of a modern Parisian drawing room. PURE offers calming furnishings (both new and old, including a number of armoires, hutches ($800 - $1,800) and a variety of chairs($95 - $195); a selection of elegantly embellished linens; softly scented soaps, linen water, and room sprays, vintage dishware and ornamental garden statuary, all creating a fresh, French-inspired setting.
Downstairs, in the basement of Olive’s Oddments (168 Locke Street South), is Ashbury Interiors, an unexpected little shop, which opened about a year ago when owner, Elaine, downsized from a 1,500-square foot Burlington location to concentrate on her specialty of white painted furniture and accessories.
Ashbury has been in the business for 15 years and Elaine has honed her skills at sourcing and finishing old and new, solidly constructed pieces, giving them an updated, unified look. On this visit, a carved shelf and mirror caught my eye as it reminded me of a set my parents owned in the ’70s which was garishly bright gold, and certainly not fitting for today’s interiors. I was astonished at how current it looked, now expertly painted in the perfect shade of white, just slightly antiqued with hints of the original gold poking through.
A little further up the road is a shop which has been on Locke for over 15 years and was always a favourite hunting ground of mine. Discount Emporium at No. 180 is chock full of décor accessories including vases, faux flowers, pillows, mirrors, accents, garden accessories, and more. It’s a bit tight to navigate but that adds to the adventure. On this visit I contemplated a couple of 18” cotton pillows for my balcony chairs by Muti at $12.95 each, but alas the colour wasn’t quite right for my scheme.
A few stalwart antiques dealers continue to trade on Locke Street South and all are worth a peek:
Antiques on Locke, 190 Locke Street South, 905.522.3940
J. Taylor Antiques, 192 Locke Street South, 905.521.6844
Locke Street Antiques, 200 Locke Street South, 905.526.6553
July 18th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Good morning, daughter Jennifer has decided Hamilton is her place of choice to live. She’s shown me Locke Street *read Starbucks* is very good on this street, however, many more dealers, can be found on the *new Locke * Ottawa Street, well worth checking out…Lois of they say Hamilton is changing
July 19th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Thoroughly enjoyed the post and this visit to Locke Street. I had no idea. Loved the pics too. Thanks so much.
July 19th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Lois, you’re absolutely right; Mike and I were down on Ottawa Street North last week visiting one of our favorite dealers, Vladimir Nikolic of Adenda (No. 188). We noted several other vintage and antique shops and have resolved to do a “stroll” in the very near future.
July 21st, 2009 at 10:58 am
There’s lots of great spots, not just on Locke, but also in Dundas (where Discount Emporium has a second location on King Street). I love going to Ottawa Street for fabric and to hunt around for second hand items.
Stevenson’s just opened in Westdale in the spring and they’re GREAT for teak furniture.