See the creations of some of London's most talented young artists, get your Christmas shopping done and support local small businesses at the same time and all in a fairytale setting.

Cabot Square, in Canary Wharf, will take on a magical, festive atmosphere this season with the Christmas Lantern Markets, a collection of craft stalls under a glowing canopy of hand-made lanterns.

The Christmas Lantern Markets have been co-ordinated with The Prince's Trust and will give young people an opportunity to sell their wares.

Jennifer Mole, 33, is typical of the artists the scheme aims to help. She gave up stockbroking in Edinburgh six years ago to become a metal sculptor and now makes mirror frames, metal cards and flowers as well as larger commissions.

She said being self-employed in this way can be a struggle she only just makes a living but does not regret her career change: "Welding sculptures is very satisfying, you get very immediate results and maybe there is a small arsonist in me I really like working with fire."

The Prince's Trust will also be seeking the support of local business people to become mentors. Details will be available at the markets.

Goods on offer will include gift-wrapping, Christmas decorations, glassware, picture frames, designer jewellery, lamps, leather goods, travel accessories, ceramics and hand-made designer fashion accessories. Stallholders will change regularly so there will always be plenty of variety.

On Saturdays and Sundays demonstrations by local crafts people will provide onlookers with festive ideas and hints to make Christmas celebrations perfect. Plus, there will be performances of Jack Frost's one-man Christmas play and live seasonal music each Friday.

Local artists John Wallet and Tom Kirk have designed the range of hand-made lanterns which will illuminate the market area. Wallet said the most of the lanterns look like cape gooseberries and have a wonderful light-filtering effect. He is hoping to hold a workshop where people can have a go at designing their own lanterns.

He said: "We are going to try and have some blanks printed onto card or thick paper so people can do their own designs on the same template."

There will be a range of tempting, quality, hand-crafted goods. From collectibles to delectable edibles, there will be something to suit everyone.

Dec 5-23, Christmas Lantern Markets, Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14, Wed to Sun (closed Mon & Tues) weekdays 11.30am-6pm, weekends 11am-6pm, free 020 7418 2783.

November 26, 2001 16:46

Joan Gardner