Awards and bursaries

Clothworkers’ Award

Sponsor

The Clothworkers' Company

About

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

What's included?

This award is offered to three makers, with an anticipated start date of 1st September
Studio space for up to 2 years at Cockpit Deptford
Shared looms and dye area, including Leclerc, Louet and electronic ARM looms
Business support including one-to-one coaching and workshops
Selling and promotional opportunities, including two annual Cockpit Open Studios events
Financial contribution required by makers:
– £1000 (approx. £85 per month) in the 1st year

– £2000 (approx. £168 per month) in the 2nd year

Who can apply?

A maker who graduated within the last 5 years working in weaving.

Please note: We only accept one application per applicant per each award round.

About the Clothworkers’ Company

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.

About Awards & Bursaries at Cockpit

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.

Please note:

You will be responsible for arranging and paying for your own public liability insurance (minimum £5m) and contents insurance before the start date.
You need to be entitled to remain in the UK for the period of the Award. Cockpit is unable to sponsor or support visa applications.
You must be committed to taking up the award and completing our Business Incubation programme.

Apply now

Current awardees: Deb King, Leonie Edmead, Megan Leech, Michaela Johnston, Ruby Smith, yumo yuan

Past awardees: Alice Timmis, Alicia Rowbotham, Ashley Jess Knight, Majeda Clarke

FAQ