Cockpit Open Studios
14th June 2026Support for Crafts in the City
Funding the Future of Craft
It seems a miracle that independent craftspeople can thrive in the heart of London, surrounded by sky high rents, a severe lack of workshop space, and a sea of glass and steel office blocks. Visiting events such as the Goldsmiths' Fair or the recent Pewter Live at Pewterers' Hall are wonderful opportunities to see such craftsmanship and beauty in the heart of Livery-land.
The secret ingredient keeping creativity alive in the City is a dynamic partnership between Cockpit Studios and several Livery Companies which are funding the next generation of creative talent by providing deeply subsidised workshop spaces and expert business coaching.
Cockpit opens its doors to the public each June and November/December for its famous Open Studios events, offering a rare chance to explore active workshops, meet over 175 world-class makers, and see how Livery funding shapes contemporary British craft. The Masters of the Companies are all invited, but sadly I was unable to attend this month. I do hope to be able to go in December, just in time for Christmas, particularly as our Company is now a member of the Wood Group of Companie, celebrating and supporting the craft of working with wood.
Many of the artists on show during these events are funded directly by Livery partnerships. These are just a few of the bursaries keeping traditional craftsmanship alive today:
- The Glass Sellers' Bursary offers a full year of studio space and business mentoring tailored specifically for warm or cold glass creators.
- The Haberdashers' Award provides a fantastic two-year package featuring shared studio spaces and commercial coaching to help knit businesses scale up.
- The Turners' Bursary delivers dedicated workshop space and essential resources to help woodturners turn their passion into a sustainable commercial practice.
- The Arts Scholars Charitable Trust Bursary is a versatile, one-year award set up to lift early-stage creative businesses across any decorative arts discipline.
- The Weavers' Award runs a specialised, one-year development programme built exclusively for makers working with woven textiles.