Summer Open Studios is back at Cockpit for two weekends this June, offering the public a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of a working makers’ studio and buy direct from over 175 renowned craftspeople.

Twice a year we throw open our doors to the public, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to meet some of the world’s most celebrated makers in their studios.

This year we have some exciting new developments up our sleeves. Keep reading to discover 5 reasons you won’t want to miss Summer Open Studios 2024.

This year marks the first Summer Open Studios at Cockpit Deptford since our major refurbishment in 2023. It’s also the first event following the official opening of London’s new and only Craft Garden, designed by award-winning furniture designer Sebastian Cox, and the unveiling of a new public art installation designed by Cockpit maker Amber Khokhar.

To celebrate, visitors will be able to enjoy food and drink in the garden throughout the weekend by visiting our new on-site café partner, Spring Café, which is co-owned and operated by Cockpit alumnus Rebecca George (OFFCUT).

Drop-in and bookable craft workshops will also take place throughout the weekend at Deptford, giving you the chance to get hands on and learn craft skills with Cockpit makers.

This Summer Open Studios is also the first public event for our new CEO Jonathan Burton, who joined our team in May 2024.

To celebrate, we’ll be holding our first-ever Deptford VIP Preview on Friday 21 June from 3-4 pm followed by a late opening for the public from 4-8 pm. Tickets for the late opening are just £5 (£4 when booked in advance).

Come say hello to Jonathan and start your weekend right with an evening of inspiring creativity!

Cockpit is the UK’s centre for excellence in craft, with over 175 makers working across more than 20 craft disciplines at our studios. In other words, there is so much to see during Open Studios!

To give you more time to explore and the opportunity to visit both of our locations, we’ve introduced a new Weekend Pass. For just £16 visitors can either come and go at one site throughout an entire weekend or spend one day in Bloomsbury and one day in Deptford at a discounted rate.

In addition, local residents residing in WC1 postcodes in Bloomsbury and SE8 postcodes in Deptford will enjoy half-price entry throughout the weekend (with proof of residence), and children aged 16 and under can visit for free. Book now and tell your friends!

Some of the most exciting emerging makers call Cockpit home, partially due to our funded studio placements. This means that visitors to Open Studios have the unique opportunity to discover up-and-coming talent before the rest of the world.

Since our last Open Studios in winter 2023, Cockpit has welcomed 20 new makers to the studios, working across craft disciplines from metalsmithing to fine art to ceramics to traditional paper making.

Learn more about the NEW FACES of Cockpit here.

This list wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to our incredibly talented makers. Our studios are home to many established makers, artists and craftspeople at the top of their game, who represent the best of the best in handmade craft.

Open Studios is an opportunity for collectors, art-lovers and craft enthusiasts to meet some of the most renowned makers working today — from award-winning glass engravers to trailblazing leatherworkers and wood sculptors to celebrated ceramic and jewellery artists to weavers, printmakers, milliners and more.

Whatever sparks your imagination, you’ll find it at Cockpit Open Studios!

Cockpit Open Studios runs from 14-16 June at Bloomsbury and 21-23 June at Deptford. Tickets start from £4.

Book now.