Willesden's Artisan gallery celebrates its first anniversary. TARA BRADY went along to see what it currently has on show

ON the corner of Harlesden Road and Parkfield Road in Willesden is an exciting new gallery space, which is celebrating completing its first year in business this month.

Artisan gallery, which used to be a grocery shop, now showcases new, one-off affordable artworks.

For the Christmas season the gallery will be displaying work by three artists, which offers the chance for you to find that elusive gift, an embodiment of originality and craftsmanship, not easily found on the high street.

Naomi Harrison, from Artisan, said: "Christmas comes with so many stresses and finding the right gift can be as stressful as it gets.

"Artisan wants people to step away from the crowded streets and shopping malls to find unique, hand-crafted and bespoke gifts that will add something extra special to Christmas morning."

Until December 11 the gallery is presenting Traces, an exhibition of beautiful ceramics and jewellery for the discerning shopper, keen to pick up something a little bit different.

Michelangelo Bonitatibus creates ceramics that form stunning centre pieces on tables and shelves.

Ms Harrison says: "His use of volcanic glazes gives the work a wonderful textured and tactile surface, which makes each piece unique."

Michelangelo also 'paints' with clay, producing heavily textured and torn pieces, a style that reflects the rich earthy colours of his native Tuscany.

Tina Kenward can trace her passion for ceramics back to her childhood love of nature and the affinity she felt with the landscapes of her youth and connections to Finland.

Ms Harrison says: "With clay she found the perfect medium in which to express her love of all things natural and her sculptures and wall art reflect the colours and textures which nature provides so abundantly."

Jewellery designer Jacques Jeanjean's source of inspiration is the ancient concept of chain-making, with every single link being made from sterling silver wire.

Ms Harrison says: "His jewellery is individually soldered, shaped and linked to produce finished hand-crafted pieces. Jacques' jewellery has a very definitive and individual look, which balances traditional and contemporary design."

Works of art by the three artists are valued between £50 and £500.

The exhibition will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays, between 10am and 5pm, at Artisan, 80 Harlesden Road, Willesden, NW10 2BE.

For more information, call Naomi Harrison at Artisan on 020 8451 5235 or 0778 900 2052, or email mail@artisan80.com.