The Clothworkers' Company
An award designed to help up to three graduate weavers each year set up in business. Weavers can be working in any form, for example, making products, creating woven textile art, working with mills and/or making samples for industry.
The Clothworkers Award includes up to two years of business support and subsidised shared studio space at Cockpit Studios Deptford, equipped with Leclerc, Louet, ARM looms and a dye area.
“Having a Cockpit mentor has been one of the main things that has helped me grow my business. My coach has lots of experience within the textiles industry and she has helped me think about the big picture and work out a plan of action. Having a step-by-step plan has been so helpful as it means everything is put in place properly and I have been able to grow and keep up with it.”
Millie Thomas
A maker who graduated within the last 5 years working in weaving.
Founded by Royal Charter in 1528, the original purpose of The Clothworkers’ Company was to protect its members and promote the craft of cloth-finishing within the City of London.
We value our past and traditions, but seek to build upon our heritage and find ways for the Company to have a useful and relevant role in today’s society.
Although few of our present members are involved in the textile industry in any direct way, we continue to support textiles, principally through educational grants, fostering the development of technical textiles and colour science, and support for the nation’s textile heritage.
All awards and bursaries at Cockpit include studio space, business support and membership of a vibrant craft community, giving successful makers the space and time to develop their profile, grow their business or practice, and increase profitability. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence and highly developed craft skills.
We particularly encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in craft including non-graduates, disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds. We welcome applicants from a range of educational backgrounds and there is no minimum formal qualification for this programme.
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