Fancy a souvenir of your visit to NewcastleGateshead that's a step up from a picture postcard? Why not buy some original art?

Popping up through the city is a whole range of places where you can browse and view original art and if you feel inclined, buy it! 
 
Four of the best venues...

• Biscuit Factory is the largest commercial arts space in Europe. Based in a restored Victorian biscuit factory, the gallery has a relaxed atmosphere, which attracts a mixed clientele (either just browsing or serious buyers). Offering a variety of contemporary and traditional paintings, sculpture, ceramics and glass, prices range from £20 to £20,000.
• The Art Works Studio & Gallery is just a stone's throw away from The Biscuit Factory. This gallery displays and sells paintings by Matt Forster, who is usually in residence. Matt takes his inspiration from his many travels around the world and also closer to home.
• Opus Gallery showcases original works of art and exclusive limited edition prints by the world's premier contemporary artists and photgraphers alongside a range of contemporary lighting and furniture and timeless iconic pieces by leading designers. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the Art Cafe, surrounded by the best in art, photography and design.
• Waygood Art Boutique is a new gallery for buying and collecting contemporary art. Whether you are looking for unique small presents or to invest in a piece of art for your business or home, the boutique offers a choice of work by selected artists associated with Waygood.

Scattered throughout the area are a number of superb craft shops where you can pick up some fabulous handmade jewellery, pottery, glass and cards. 

Four of the best venues...

• Gateshead Visitor Centre is a Craft Council selected gallery featuring a range of contemporary craft from established designers to view and buy, all within the stunning setting of St Mary's Church on the Gateshead Quays.
• Laing Art Gallery has a super little shop featuring a range of jewellery, pottery, glass, cards and contemporary designed household objects.
• Newcastle Art Centre it's easy to pick out something special in this relaxed shop/gallery, there is a mixture of contemporary jewellery, pottery, glass, cards and prints, something to suit every budget, a great place to pick up a gift.
• The Shipley Art Gallery has a small gallery shop where you can pick up something interesting or look out for 'Christmas Present'. This exhibition runs from mid-November to mid-January where you can buy some fabulous contemporary crafts from well-known designers.