Winter Market Under Glass

A winter market fills a glass-and-iron hall at dusk, the sky beyond the arched window deep blue over snowy rooftops. Wooden stalls line both sides under garlands, lanterns and hanging banners: pottery and knitted jumpers at the left, a bakery and a florist further in, mulled wine and a toy stand of teddy bears, wooden trains and baubles at the right. Trays of pastries, jam tarts and iced cakes crowd the long table at the centre, candles burning behind them. Shoppers in coats, scarves and woolly hats browse the aisles, one woman in green choosing a holly bouquet, another sorting folded knitwear. Baskets of ornaments and crates of produce stand on the cobbled floor. Warm stall light against the cold window keeps two temperatures in one frame, each easy to sort.