A BRAVE mum-of-one has overcome the brutal murders of two loved ones to star in a new exhibition showcasing the borough's artistic talent.

Lisa Atkin suffered a nervous breakdown after her best friend and ex-boyfriend were killed within a year of eachother during the mid-1990s, and said she only began to recover after taking up sculture at a Redbridge college.

The determined 38-year-old, of Bradwell Close, Snaresbrook, began to produce a wide range of sculptures after turning part of her bedroom into a makeshift workshop - but could not find an affordable studio anywhere in the borough in which to develop her talent.

That all changed when she and eight other artists were offered the chance to rent one of six brand new studios created at the newly refurbished Valentines Mansion, in Ilford.

The group - which includes other sculptors, as well as photographers and painters - have put a selection of their eyecatching work on display in a special public exhibition.

Ms Atkin said: "I heard about the new studios the day before the closing day for applications so I was really lucky to get in there.

"Much of my work is inspired by Epping Forest which is right next to where I live.

"I'm currently working on a stained glass window for a couple who wanted leaf pattern etched into it.

"I have also entered a stained glass version of Ganesh into the exhibition. I chose him because he represents new beginnings, and that is what has happened at Valentines Mansion."

Fellow mum-of-one Sarah Partridge, also rents a studio at the mansion - which are subsidised by an arts charity.

The 39-year-old, of George Lane, South Woodford, said Epping Forest was the inspiration behind the dragon-fly-themed mosaic she is entering in the exhibition.

She said: "These studios will make a big contribution to the development of the arts in Redbridge.

"Growing up near the forest meant I came into contact with dragon flies and other wildlife at an early age."

The Valentines Mansion Exhibition will run until Sunday February 14 and is open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 10am until 5pm and on Sundays from 11am until 4pm.

For more information about Sarah Partridge's work visit sjp-ceramics.com