The government's second lockdown has been tough for many businesses and those in the art industry have been hit particularly hard.

Love Art, situated in Tooting Market, has had to close its business over lockdown due to being deemed as 'non-essential'.

The store sold prints and other artwork, as well as running a number of art workshops for adults and children within the market.

Co-owner Claire Rudkin spoke to Nub News about having to close their store: "I think we all knew it was inevitable but I didn't think it would be all shops again.

"Everyone has worked so hard to make shops safe but where do you draw the line?

"I feel really sorry for live performances in theatre just starting up again this week, it must feel devastating to have to close again so quickly. I think if there was some sort of strategy and planning it might be easier to get behind.

"If the government had given provisional dates for a soft lockdown or circuit breaker then businesses would have been able to plan, but It seems like it is going to be much longer than four weeks so again we will just have to see if we can weather the storm."

Owners Claire Rudkin and Gemma Lloyd do not have everything resting on the shop to survive and say it is more of a community business.

"We support lots of artists and illustrators and makers as well as those who work for us, but like most of those artists we are not reliant on one income stream," Claire continued.

"It is the nature of artists to be involved in lots of things at once."

Love Art told Nub News that they were not 'more prepared' for this lockdown but they were careful not to increase their debt due to the risk of their income being lost at any time.

"We are hoping we make it through and not run up too much debt. Not having a christmas trade means the business will limp through 2021 as that trade supports us for the rest of the year."

Most of Love Art's sales are made in person, especially over the Christmas period.

The business will now focus on pushing sales from their website and Instagram, using the lockdown time to get the word out as much as possible.

The market recently allowed Love Art to continue their toddler workshops inside the premises.

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