Artisan formed in 1984 when Jacey and Brian Bedford invited Hilary Spencer to sing with them at a concert at Birdsedge Village Hall[1] near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England.
Prior to this Spencer had been trained for opera, singing coloratura soprano as an amateur singer with local operatic societies in Sheffield.
Brian Bedford had attended Huddersfield School of Music (1970–72) and Bretton Hall College of Education (1972–73) and after learning 'cello as a first instrument had entered the teaching profession, teaching primary children at Crofton Shay Lane Junior and Infants – later Crofton Shay Lane Infants (Wakefield MDC education authority) during which time he had responsibility for music throughout the school.
After five years of performing at UK folk clubs part-time, Artisan went full-time in July 1989 when trio members gave up their day jobs.
One of their most popular songs is, "What's the Use of Wings", written by Brian, about the need to "let go" of loved ones, and give them the freedom to make their own decisions.
Then in 2019 they played a fundraising concert for Motor Neurone Disease at a local venue, The Pie Hall in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire.