Some things are just meant to be. For the woman behind TLS Vintage, a lifelong love of antiques began in the North East’s old markets, including Spanish City’s indoor market in the 1980s. Now she’s back in North Shields, bringing decades of collecting, a brilliant eye for unusual finds and plenty of stories to our I Love North Shields Vintage Market.
At the end of 2025, after a career as a marketing consultant, the founder of TLS Vintage decided it was finally time to turn a lifelong passion into a business.
But the story really starts decades earlier.
A LITTLE BIT OF NORTH SHIELDS HISTORY
Although she grew up in Teesside, her family roots are firmly in North Shields, where she spent weekends and school holidays visiting her nanna and grandma.
Her mum was a regular at antique fairs, and her auntie ran a stall at the old Spanish City indoor market during the 1980s, later opening a shop on Preston Road.
And that’s where her vintage education really began.
“I used to work for my auntie, and instead of cash or sweets, my wage was getting to choose something from the shop. That suited me perfectly, as I always had my eye on something!”
For the next twenty years, she continued collecting, always with the idea that one day she’d have a shop of her own.
“You always seem to spot the best pieces when you have no money or nowhere to put them! But I’ve learnt that if something is special and the price is right, you have to snap it up.”
Fast-forward to today, and TLS Vintage is the result of all those years spent hunting for interesting objects, researching their histories and trusting her instincts.
THE BEAUTY OF SOMETHING OLD
For TLS Vintage, buying vintage isn’t simply about finding something that looks good.
It’s about the craftsmanship, the materials and the stories behind everyday objects.
“Sometimes I’ll spot a piece of furniture with incredible detail in areas you’d never see at a glance, like the precision of a joint or a beautifully decorated hinge. You just come away with a deep appreciation for the piece and the maker.”
One particular find has stayed with her: a rare Lloyd Loom armchair dating back to 1927.
Almost a century old, it was still in excellent condition, with gentle wear on the armrests from decades of use.
“Sitting in it felt like bridging a path to the past. Absolutely mind-blowing!”
The chair eventually went to a delighted new owner who appreciated its history just as much.
And that’s one of the biggest pleasures of selling vintage.
“I get a total buzz when an item finds its perfect next owner.”
WHAT WILL YOU FIND AT TLS VINTAGE?
Expect a carefully chosen mix of pieces spanning several decades, from Arts & Crafts and Art Deco through to Mid-Century design and even the late 1980s.
There’s something for different tastes and budgets, with a particular love for beautiful objects that are both decorative and useful.
Her current collection includes original Mid-Century paintings, vintage prints, glassware, coffee sets, ceramics, trays and those wonderfully unusual pieces you don’t come across every day.
And while she lives in a Mid-Century house herself, her taste is wonderfully eclectic.
Some pieces are so difficult to part with that they temporarily find a home in her own house before eventually making their way onto the market stall.
“I’ll think, ‘Oh, that would look perfect with that on the stall,’ and off it goes to find a new home.”
MORE THAN JUST BUYING AND SELLING
One thing we’ve loved about our Vintage Markets is seeing friendships develop between traders and visitors, and TLS Vintage has experienced exactly that.
Despite being relatively new to the market scene, she’s already built up regular customers and made friends with fellow traders.
“I thought the scene might be a bit competitive, but everyone is actually dead canny and incredibly supportive.”
She particularly enjoys chatting to visitors, finding out what they collect and hearing the stories behind their own treasured possessions.
“I’ve met some amazing customers at the Salt Market who have shared their passion for vintage and their own life stories with me. It’s been fascinating.”
And that’s something we love about vintage too. Everyone seems to have a story, whether it’s a piece of furniture that reminds them of their grandparents’ house, a record they haven’t seen in thirty years or something they never knew existed.
COME AND MEET TLS VINTAGE
We’re delighted to welcome TLS Vintage back to our I Love North Shields Vintage Market at Salt Market Social.
If you love original Mid-Century design, beautifully made objects, unusual antiques or simply having a good rummage, make sure you stop by her stall.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions. She loves a chat, especially when the conversation turns to antiques!
I Love North Shields Vintage Markets
Salt Market Social, 1 Liddell Street, North Shields, NE30 1HE.
Independent vintage traders, antiques, records, fashion, collectables, live music, DJs, food and drink.
Shop independent. Buy pre-loved. Keep the stories going.
