Advent calendar - Strange World. Jaques Thomas

Tea Leaf Arts, a community gallery in Brockley, have devised a festive way to raise their profile and add a little magic to the Christmas countdown.

This month Brockley businesses will be transformed into a life-sized advent calendar. Each day will reveal a new piece of art in a shop window. The art will all explore the concept of a gift.

“Someone brought it to the table in a meeting,” Ben Glen, a local artist, said, explaining how they came up with the idea. “We thought it would be a good way to promote the gallery.”

Tea Leaf opened last Christmas when Lewisham council agreed to offer the premises rent-free for 2 years.

Housemartins Estate Agents have provided the first Advent window. Manager Julie Evans said: “We thought it was a good idea for the businesses to help each other. Everyone is going to get exposure in one-way or another. Plus it looks nice.”

The final window will open at the gallery on December 24th when members of the public are invited to join the artists for mulled wine and mince pies from 2-5pm.

For more information and a map of participating venues visit: www.tea-leaf-arts.com