The Duke and the Markets
Now, I know I promised to digress from time to time, but 
I never expected to find a connection between the decorative arts and a far older profession.
It seems that Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, the third richest man in England, friend of the heir to the throne and godfather of Prince William, has been identified as a member of the same club that figured in the scandal that brought down the governor of the state of New York.
When not participating in the Emperor’s Club, Gerald directed Grosvenor Continental Europe, which, in 2005, bought the Paul Bert and Serpette markets at the Marché aux Puces of Saint-Ouen, the 120-year-old flea market north of Paris.
Merchants at Saint-Ouen are facing a triple threat to their survival — the buying power of Americans has been significantly reduced due to the weak dollar; 
the competition from Internet sales, particularly for bric-a-brac and less important pieces; and, since 2005, the exorbitant rent increases imposed by Grosvenor (as much as 35 to 70 percent, often accompanied by an increase in monthly charges), which have caused many businesses to fold.
Rumor has it that the duke wants to turn Paul Bert and Serpette into a luxury market such as the Louvre des Antiquaires on rue de Rivoli. He may well have other things on his mind at the moment, but I would urge him to rethink this. On recent visits to the Louvre des Antiquaires, I haven’t exactly had to fight the crowds.
You have to love the spirit of the antiquaires. Business may not be good, but they haven’t given up yet. And they do have a way with words. They staged a protest last year, which included handing out flyers that suggested the duke “return to perfidious Albion.”
Just my personal opinion, but shouldn’t this market, which is a huge tourist attraction and an important part of the national heritage, be protected?
Let me know what you think.
Jan del Monte, blogging from the rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France
© 2008 Jan del Monte
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Well, it’s nice to have a distraction from Client No. 9, the governor, and be able to discuss another VIP Client! I totally agree that the flea market should be protected. Perhaps Parisians should petition their government, including both the mayor and President Sarkozy, as well as all appropriate governmental entities. Surely there must be a strong lobby there for keeping your national heritage and, ever more important now than ever, increasing tourism from the States. Could you and your blog have some influence in this regard? It would be wonderful if you could.
It will be a sad day if this market goes for its one of the things travel shows doing a “Paris must see section” always mentions. Upped the rents – typical. I have bought a chandelier here a couple of years ago – a metal one , Italian probably with lemons and thankfully , it could be conferted to our wattage here in Australia, that we boxed (got it from a little shop – guy was amused when husband came in with said chandelier and looked through his boxes for a “fit” )and then we took it to the post office and it came home safely about a month after we got back from our trip. Its now in my kitchen and i think of the market everytime I see it! Thats Everyday!
The market next to the Louvre has a wonderful collection of Galle and Daum glass Art Nouveau pieces , oh the furniture and their chandeliers!!! Well – it was like looking in a well stocked Museum because I have not won the lottery so EVERYTHING there is not in my price range so – its a Museum piece to me really! LOL
Save Clingacourt!!!! How stupid if the Mayor of Paris doesn’t and drop their rents for goodness sake!