COCKPIT OPEN STUDIOS

Bloomsbury: Friday 5 June - Sunday 7 June

Deptford: Friday 12 June – Sunday 14 June

It was a pleasure to see the latest works and delve into the studios of many of our CAA makers at the Cockpit Open Studios, which continues at Cockpit Bloomsbury until Sunday 7 June.

This twice-yearly event is the only time Cockpit opens its doors to the public, offering a rare opportunity to meet some of London’s leading craftspeople, go behind the scenes in their studios to learn the details of their practice, and support independent businesses.

It's always fascinating to get a glimpse into artists' studios, each full of the tools of their trade, from chisels and moulds to looms and kilns. Many makers have created new bodies of work for the Open Studios, offering a rare chance to see their newest pieces hot off the bench. At ceramicist Ömer Öner’s studio, you can see his eclectic collection of found objects and the porcelain vessels they eventually become. Jeweller Kelvin Birk has long experimented with materials, and his display of honeycomb jewellery, made in collaboration with the thousands of bees that live in each hive, is a testament to his experimental spirit. For those looking for some new jewels, there is plenty to choose from, including Tania Clarke-Hall's chunky leather necklaces and Emily Kidson's latest collection that combines precious metals and Formica.

Explore the studios of fourteen CAA makers at Cockpit Open Studios:

Tessa Eastman

Jacky Oliver

Darren Appiagyei

Kelvin J Birk

Donna Brennan

Majeda Clarke

Tania Clarke-Hall

Katharine Coleman

Sara Dodd

Tessa Eastman

Teri Howes

Emily Kidson

Ömer Öner

Claire Underwood

Learn more about Cockpit and book tickets to the Open Studios in Bloomsbury and Deptford on the Cockpit website.