Awards and bursaries

Turners’ Bursary

Sponsor

About

Designed for aspiring or established turners – i.e. people who practice the art and craft of turning on a lathe in wood or other materials. The Bursary will help the winning turner by providing the space and time to grow their business, increase profitability and develop their profile. We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills.

What's included

  • Studio space for 1 year 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
  • Financial contribution required by maker: £1000 per year (approx. £85 per month)

Who can apply?

Turners working in wood or other materials, who can demonstrate dedication to developing, nurturing and passing on their craft.

How to apply

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.

About The Worshipful Company of Turners

The Worshipful Company of Turners of London is a Livery Company and runs a charitable trust to promote the art and craft of turning. It does this in a number of ways; by supporting the Register of Professional Turners, holding biennial Turning Competitions and awarding bursaries, grants and prizes to promising turners. The Turners’ Company also holds exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations to promote and preserve the craft.

About Awards & Bursaries at Cockpit

We encourage prospective applicants to attend an Awards Open Day to visit the studios, meet the Cockpit team, and find out more about our awards and bursaries. Attending is not essential to apply but can be a helpful way to understand whether Cockpit is the right environment for your practice. Book a place at our next Awards Open Day here. Booking is required and places are limited. 

All awards and bursaries at Cockpit include subsidised shared studio space, business support, and membership in 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. 

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. Successful applicants must be UK citizens or have settled status in the UK, in line with the Haberdashers’ Company’s higher education scholarships for ‘home’ fee paying students. 
  • You must be committed to taking up the Award and staying for its duration, completing our Business Incubation programme for new joiners, as well as engaging with business support throughout your time at Cockpit. 
  • We may review your commitment to the Award annually by an interview process. 
  • At the end of your award period, you will be able to make an application and interview for a standard studio to stay on at Cockpit. 

Current awardee: Randon Burns

Past awardees: Darren Appiagyei, Dave Evers, Eleanor Lakelin, Jason Lock

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