Awards and bursaries

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

• Studio space for up to 3 years within the creative community at Cockpit Deptford (SE8 3DZ)
• 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, Leather Skiver, Clicking Press, Edge Polisher and Guillotine.)
• Financial contribution required by makers: – £1000 (approx. £85 per month) in the 1st year/- £2000 (approx. £168 per month) in the 2nd year/- £3000 (approx. £250 per month) in the 3rd year

• This award is offered to 3 makers, with an anticipated start date between July- September
• Makers already established a market for their work and have a track record of and commitment to working in leather
• Who can demonstrate dedication to developing, nurturing and passing on their craft.
• Please note: We only accept one application per applicant per each award round.

Applications open Spring 2025
Apply here

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

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.

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.