We believe that craft is part of a more sustainable future. With its slowed-down processes and local supply chains, craft offers an alternative to the growth economy.
Many of the makers at Cockpit are taking the lead when it comes to positive change and sustainability in craft. From using locally supplied materials to reducing waste to championing sustainable working practices, here are 8 makers who should be on your radar as you celebrate Earth Day.
Ute Decker is an international authority on ethical jewellery practices, using only 100% recycled silver or Fairtrade gold sourced from small artisanal mining cooperatives to make her stunning sculptural pieces. In 2011, she became one of the very first jewellers in the world to work with certified Fairtrade gold, and she has since developed the world’s largest free online resource for green jewellery practices.
Phoebe English is a slow-fashion trailblazer and founder of the eponymous award-winning sustainable circular fashion studio. The studio has dual roots in textile craftsmanship and reduced environmental impact, aiming to develop ways of working that align within the realities of our planetary limitations. This is high-quality, sustainable clothing at its most fashionable!
Artist-woodturner Darren Appiagyei is passionate about embracing and highlighting the intrinsic beauty of wood, celebrating features such as knots, cracks, barks and grain that are often seen as flaws. Darren sources his materials from a farm in Shooters Hill in south east London, where tree surgeons take their offcuts, resulting in truly unique pieces that are inspired by nature.
Award-winning textile artist and arts educator Alice Burnhope utilises unwanted textiles, traditional craft techniques and natural dyes as a way to support wellbeing and connectivity to nature through her practice. Specialising in socially engaged artwork, Alice highlights the importance of the natural world through her co-created immersive installations and sculptural wearable art.
Known as the ‘Queen of Hoops’ (Kate Middleton, Ella Eyre and Little Simz are all fans!), Lenique Louis crafts jewellery that’s all about sustainable luxury. As an accredited Fairmined licensed jewellery brand, Lenique creates her small-batch collections using only gold from artisanal and small-scale mining organisations, showing that there’s no need to compromise on style or sustainability.
Patrizia Sascor is a willow weaver who uses heritage techniques to create contemporary basketry. Her work celebrates craftsmanship and simplicity, while expressing the energy of the natural world within essential forms. Working primarily with English coppiced willow sustainably sourced from Somerset Levels, Patrizia’s baskets capture movement and rhythm, giving each piece a personality of their own.
Kemi Ajose is a knitwear designer who handcrafts zero-waste wearable art for her brand Morenikeji Textiles using yarns and materials sourced from deadstock suppliers. All of her work is fully fashioned on a hand-powered knit machine, resulting in vibrant and authentic items that are both unique and zero-waste.
The founder of Cawley Studio, Hannah Cawley has made a name for herself through her effortlessly cool and high-quality designs. The brand champions British manufacturing and uses natural fabrics sourced from traditional fabric mills in England, Ireland and Japan and for its premium womenswear, menswear, bridal and homeware collections.
Discover even more talented designer-makers in our directory.
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