Awards and bursaries

This Award assists makers working in leather looking to take their business to the next level. The Leathersellers’ Award offers up to three years of business support, subsidised shared studio space at Cockpit Studios Deptford, and use of our well-equipped Leather Hub, generously sponsored by the Leathersellers’ Company.  

The Leather Hub has a hub manager responsible for maintenance of equipment, but there is no dedicated technician on site, and successful Awardees must undertake a training induction by the Hub Manager to use the space.  Makers should be confident in managing the technical aspects of their work themselves. Use of the onsite equipment must be integral to the case for support. 

• Subsidised shared studio space for up to three years within the creative community at Cockpit Deptford (SE8 3DZ), with an anticipated start date between July to September 2026 

• Business support services including one-to-one coaching and business development workshops 

• Selling and promotional opportunities, including two annual Cockpit Open Studios events 

• Access to the Leather Hub, housing leather working equipment for shared use by Awardees. (Includes a Hot Foil Machine, Manual Leather Splitter with 300mm splitting width, Leather Skiver, Hydraulic Clicking Press, Edge Polisher, Guillotine, Embossing Machine, moveable work benches, basic hand tools, and a small amount of storage space) 

• Financial contribution required by makers: 

– £1,000 (approx. £85 per month) in the 1st year 

– £2,000 (approx. £168 per month) in the 2nd year 

– £3,000 (approx. £250 per month) in the 3rd year 

• This Award is offered to two makers, with an anticipated start date between July and September 2026. 

• Makers who have already established, or begun to establish, a market for their work and have a track record of and commitment to working in leather. 

• Makers who can demonstrate dedication to developing and nurturing their craft to a level of excellence and an interest in passing on their craft.  

• Please note: We only accept one application per applicant per Award for each award round. If you are unsure about which Award to apply for, please contact Kanny Morgan, Awards & Admissions Coordinator at kanny@cockpitstudios.org. 

The Leathersellers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, ranked fifteenth in the order of precedence. It was founded by royal charter in 1444 with authority to control the sale of leather within the City. The Company no longer has this regulatory role, and instead devotes its energies to support for charity, education, and the British leather trade. 

Cockpit is committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity in all our activities, recognising that creativity and innovation are fuelled by diversity. 

Read our full statement and see our aims here.  

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. 

*Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, dual-heritage, mixed-heritage, indigenous to the global South, and/or have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’. 

As part of our commitment to increasing diversity, we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet Cockpit’s eligibility criteria, the award criteria, and identify as being from a Global Majority background and/or as D/deaf and/or disabled. This scheme recognises under-representation and that structural injustices mean that, currently, there is not a ‘level-playing field’ in our sector or society.  

If you identify as having one or more of these protected characteristics and meet the eligibility and award criteria, please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered under our guaranteed interview scheme.  

If you have any questions, check our FAQs page or contact us.