Cockpit’s alumni community numbers nearly 600 makers and we could not be prouder of making an impact on so many creative businesses. Having a place at our studios, then and now, makes us a strong family and when there’s opportunities, we love to have our alumni back with us.
This year’s Winter Open Studios – Cockpit Makers’ Market – has 6 talented makers returning for our event. Weavers Beatrice Larkin and Laura Woodhouse, textile designer Clarissa Hulse, jeweller Laura Ngyou and leather worker Charles Laurie will be exhibiting in Holborn from 26 – 28 November, while resident alumna, weaver Eleanor Pritchard, will be opening her studio doors in Deptford from 3 – 5 December.
In this second of two articles, we asked Laura Woodhouse, Clarissa Hulse and Eleanor Pritchard what special gifts they’ll have available to purchase at Cockpit Makers’ Market.
Laura Woodhouse
“Most of the pieces I’ll bring will be for sale, although I’ll also have examples of handwoven jackets and tops that can also be made to order. There’ll be scarves, small handwoven pocket bags and homewares. Throughout the pandemic, I began working with off-loom weaving when I was based at home more and created art pieces that are stitched with a needle and thread off the loom, on balsa wood. I will be making more of these to bring along.”
Clarissa Hulse
“There’ll be lots of gift items – limited edition screen printed art, notebooks, cushions, glasses cases, washbags, mugs etc., all colourful botanical inspired accessories for the home. I have an obsession with colour – it is definitely the hallmark of my work. Also the beauty of nature completely fascinates me – I draw most of my inspiration from the countryside.”
Eleanor Pritchard
“My approach to design is very hands-on – all of the fabrics are developed and sampled on the loom in my London studio and are woven in the British Isles. I really enjoy working with the mills and I like to think that I am playing a tiny part in a long line of British weave. I’ll have luxurious blankets and cushions available along with a small amount of sample pieces for sale.”
As a Cockpit alumna, Clarissa Hulse has not only built her textile brand into one the most respected in the UK, but she also lends her expertise as a member of Cockpit’s Board of Trustees. “Being at Cockpit helped me to launch in exclusive department stores such as Barneys in NY and Liberty in London – thereby putting me on the map as a textile designer.”
“When I arrived at Cockpit Arts on The Arts Society award in 2018, I’m not entirely sure that I even realised I was running a business – let alone how to do it” Laura Woodhouse confides. “Being at Cockpit gave me an excellent foundation for building my business and a lot to think about in terms of knowing my customer profile, pricing pieces and promoting my work in a way that echoed my core values. It also gave a great sense of community, and it was a lovely feeling working alongside other craftspeople from such an array of disciplines. This is something I have missed and in part why I would love to be involved in the open studios again.”
Meet Clarissa, Laura, Eleanor and all Cockpit’s makers in Holborn from 26 – 28 November and in Deptford, 2 – 5 December.
All tickets and visiting information here.
