A new pop up shop which showcases emerging artists has opened in Kilburn, writes Kate Ferguson. Our Shop, in Kingsgate Road, Kilburn, was set up by art graduates Antony Ward and Ben Nathan in an old, disused shop, to provide a space for emerging artist

A new pop up shop which showcases emerging artists has opened in Kilburn, writes Kate Ferguson.

Our Shop, in Kingsgate Road, Kilburn, was set up by art graduates Antony Ward and Ben Nathan in an old, disused shop, to provide a space for emerging artists to work and exhibit.

Artists, residents and community organisers attended the opening, held last Tuesday (22) to showcase some of the artwork already created in the shop.

Organisers say they hope the project, which is funded by Camden Council, will inspire other people to apply to take over empty shops and "transform them into creative spaces".

Antony, who graduated from Central St Martins College of Art, said: "We want to inspire other people to take over vacant shops and turn them into interesting, creative spaces.

"There are a lot of vacant shops in Kilburn, and they can and should be used by the community rather than wasting away standing empty."

William Chase, a London based artist, exhibited his battery themed sculpture, For the Little One - designed to raise awareness of the large amount of batteries sent to landfill sites each year - at the shop.

He said: "Creating a pop up shop is a great idea to use space that otherwise would stand empty.

"It is a great platform for young artists like me to exhibit, and they encourage people to open up proper retail shops in the area."

Pop up shops have grown enormously in popularity over the past couple of years, particularly among artists who use them as a cheap means of working and exhibiting in London.

Our Shop, at 71 Kingsgate Road, is open to the public daily from 10am to 7pm, except on Sundays. Admission is free.

It will be open late from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday 6 July. Their website is www.kilburnproject.tumblr.com