This market was first held in the stone buildings on Salamanca Place, Hobart, around 1972-73 ( I forget which, exactly). It soon took over the street outside and has been held on Saturdays ever since. It used to have more second-hand clothes and such, but has definitely become more up-market of late years. Still, I love coming here and yakking to the stall-holders, some of whom seem like friends rather than commerçants, even though I only ever meet them in the role of sellers. Over the years I've bought fabric and plastic bangles for my daughter, back in the days when a dollar went a long way with a kid. I still buy plants and veges, bread and condiments, second-hand singing bowls and cards, presents for Christmas, crystals (always and often), beads and bratwurst. The buskers are a key feature, sometimes good, sometimes woeful. In winter it is cold, and I wonder at the dedication of decades-long patient stall-holders who set up around 6.00. On windy days, gusts send displays tinkling and shattering. Rain spatters books, while on sunny days, it's a delight. Unfortunately some sellers are possessive and get very upset at the possibility of photographers 'stealing' their 'Intellectual Property' - one woman especially who knits hats with cute sayings borrowed from the hippy era and sews others with baubles. It somehow seems all wrong, especially since they aren't especially original. It seems to me that intellectual property should be more than borrowed hippy sayings and copied patterns!
It was once a completely friendly place. Somehow, it has been hardened by commerciality. It is still one of my favoutite places, so if you ever come to Hobart, Tasmania, stay for a Saturday, and visit the Market.