Once upon a time in Arcadia, and not just on a Thursday, ladies and gentlemen of London in search of Fishing Tackle made by makers, could take Trolley Buses 513, 613, 615 or Petrol Buses 27, 134, 137 to Field's whose premises were situated at 20a Highgate Road in the district known as Kentish Town. There, they could read a Field's Catalogue, similar to the one loaned to me by the gentleman Mr. John Knott, which said on it's opening page, 'A brief note about ourselves. Field's is a family business, established over fifty years. We are keen anglers and fishing tackle makers, a workshop is maintained on the premises, where a rod can be made from raw material. We can make any type or part of a rod at short notice. Repairs to any make of Fishing Rod are a speciality.'
Should you travel up the Highgate Road in the 21st Century you may be moved by the sad fact that Field's is no longer there. But do not be mournful for too long, proceed a little further up the hill and buy yourself a consolation half of ale at The Southampton Arms followed by a swift one down in The Pineapple on Leverton Street. And then refreshed, travel by Underground Railway to Liverpool Street and visit me on Thursdays only between 8am and 3pm on my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market where I sell Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul and can also take rods in to be repaired by respected makers.
