Every month, we bring you an update about what’s new and exciting at Cockpit. From stunning products to intriguing projects to inspiring brand partnerships, here are the latest developments from our makers.
Take the Winter Open Studios Visitor Survey for a chance to win VIP Passes to our next event
Winter Open Studios 2025 is officially a wrap, and what a brilliant few days it was!
Thank you so much to everyone who came along to celebrate craft with us. Seeing our studios in Bloomsbury and Deptford filled with curious visitors, lively conversations, and festive cheer meant a lot to our makers and to the whole Cockpit team.
If you visited, we’d really love to hear what you thought. Please take a few minutes to fill in our visitor survey. Anyone who responds before midnight on 31 December 2025 will be entered into a draw to win two VIP Passes for our 2026 Summer Open Studios.
Winter Open Studios 2025, photos by Jamie Trounce.
Woo Jin Joo wins the Ingram Founder's Prize
Embroiderer and mixed-media artist Woo Jin Joo has been awarded the Founder’s Prize in this year’s Ingram Prize. ‘Ancestress’ has been personally selected by Chris Ingram for The Ingram Collection of 20th Century British Art, which includes masterpieces by Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink, and Barbara Hepworth.
Centred on a butterfly motif drawn from a Taoist parable on dreaming and transformation, ‘Ancestress’ brings together found textiles, hand and freehand machine embroidery, and ceramic elements in a delicate yet resilient piece that reflects the shifting nature of memory, myth, and storytelling.
Woo Jin Joo, 'Ancestress'.
Woo Jin Joo in her studio at Cockpit Deptford, photo by Jamie Trounce.
Clunie Fretton commended for Outstanding Craftsmanship
Recognising her exceptional work on the Tapestry Drawing Room at Castle Howard, carver and sculptor Clunie Fretton has received a Commendation for Outstanding Craftsmanship in the Best Members’ Project category at the 2025 TAG Awards.
Clunie carved the striking head of Pluto, complete with an ornate baroque cartouche, for a new chimneypiece designed by Francis Terry. The project is a brilliant showcase of the exceptional level of skill involved in traditional architectural carving.
Clunie Fretton, photo by Jack Webber.
Chimneypiece at Castle Howard.
Clunie Fretton, carved head of Pluto.
Seven Cockpit Makers bring craft excellence to One Triton Square
Seven Cockpit makers have been selected by New Public to bring contemporary making into the halls of One Triton Square — a hub of research and innovation situated at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter.
Through textiles, timber, and ceramics, Cockpit’s Majeda Clarke, Eleanor Lakelin, Darren Appiagyei, Richard McVetis, Tamsin van Essen, Helen Johannessen, and Sara Dodd are reshaping the space with unique pieces that explore networks, nature, innovation, data, materiality, and the interconnected worlds of scientific and artistic discovery.
Darren Appiagyei, 'Growth Vessel 01-05'. Works commissioned by British Land & Royal London Asset Management, curated by New Public Projects. Photography by Close Up Productions.
Majeda Clarke, 'Poems are Woven into Thought'.
Eleanor Lakelin, 'Xylem Drift: Parts 1-4'.
Disocver the stunning collaboration between Ruby Taglight LDN and Yen Jewellery
Metalsmith and gemmologist Ruby Taglight and jewellery designer Yen Duong have teamed up to create this stunning collaborative piece entwining onyx beads with hand-carved golden women.
The work moves naturally with the body, bringing together Ruby’s fine sculptural storytelling and Yen’s jewellery practice in an exploration of flow, harmony, and the sensuality of adornment. Together they have created a dialogue between makers, materials, and the wearer.
Ruby Taglight LDN and Yen Jewellery, necklace.
Find truly unique handmade gifts for your loved ones in The Cockpit Edit: Gifts
Missed the chance to pick up the perfect festive gift at Winter Open Studios?
You can still shop The Cockpit Edit: Gifts until 16 January 2026, giving you plenty of time to browse and buy beautifully crafted jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, leather, prints, and more from over 35 Cockpit makers. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful last-minute present or a special treat for yourself, discover exceptional handmade pieces and support independent makers.
Judith Peterhoff, 'Orno Statement Necklace'.
Gemma Smale, 'Lobed Bowl Stack'.
Amanda Ross, 'Sweet Pea Tangle Giclee Print'
Explore Alice Burnhope's monument to creativity and community
The end of a year offers a natural moment for reflection on our achievements and hopes for the future. For Cockpit maker Alice Burnhope, 2025 was the year she created her tallest sculpture to date, celebrating migration, belonging, and the rich diversity of Lewisham borough.
Shaped by the topography of Manor House Gardens and made in collaboration with Lewisham residents using reclaimed, naturally dyed textiles, ‘Echoes of Migration‘ brings together drawings, embroidery, and shared stories from local workshops in a soft, tactile monument to community, creativity, and collective care.
Alice Burnhope, 'Echoes of Migration'.
Be part of the Cockpit story - become a Friend or Patron
In 2026, Cockpit celebrates 40 years as a charity helping makers build sustainable careers. With your support, we can empower the next generation.
From just £5 a month, you can play a vital role in nurturing the most exciting new voices in craft. Cockpit Supporters get behind-the-scenes access to our makers’ studios and other exclusive benefits — all while helping to secure the futures of the UK’s brightest craft talent.
Sign up now and help make a lasting difference to the future of British craft.
Neve Beill in her studio at Cockpit Deptford, photo by Jamie Trounce.
Richard McVetis and Kendall Clarke at Cockpit Bloomsbury, photo by Jamie Trounce.
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