The Cockpit Edit – May 2026

06.05.26

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.

The countdown is on for our London Craft Week exhibition...

In less than a week, our new exhibition The Cockpit Effect: 40 Years of Craft Excellence will open at Cockpit Bloomsbury as part of London Craft Week. Featuring photography by Alun Callender, a brand-new short film about Cockpit, and a selection of stunning craft objects, you won’t want to miss this powerful showcase of the makers behind the craft magic.

We’ll be sharing a round-up of our top events for London Craft Week in next week’s newsletter, as well as announcing the full list of participating makers. In the meantime, be sure to register for your free exhibition ticket.

Kemi Ajose & Stepan Terteryan in The Cockpit Effect: 40 Years of Craft Excellence. Photos by Alun Callender.

Castro Smith's ring enters the V&A collection

Castro Smith is an award-winning hand engraver and jeweller, best known for his signet rings, which feature intricate designs inspired by mythology, anatomy, and natural history

Castro’s engraved ‘Coriolis’ ring was recently acquired by the V&A and is now on display at V&A South Kensington, Jewellery Room 91. This striking piece is inspired by the Coriolis effect, which is the apparent curving of objects (like wind or water) traveling long distances caused by the Earth’s rotation.

Learn more about Castro’s practice here.

Castro Smith, 'Coriolis' ring.

Castro Smith in his studio at Cockpit Bloomsbury. Photo: courtesy of FT.

Helen Brough is the newest artisan member of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers

In recognition of her craft excellence and contribution to the glass trade, Helen Brough has recently been admitted as an artisan member of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, a historic livery company of the City of London.

Helen is a multimedia landscape artist working across glass and aluminium. Her illuminated glass works are painted and kiln-fired before being transformed into three-dimensional, wall-mounted light pieces. Her work has been exhibited widely and is held in numerous private, corporate, and museum collections, primarily in the USA.

Learn more about Helen’s practice here.

Don't miss Ian Scott Kettle's new workshops

After years of mentoring and training design students, artist and men’s accessories designer Ian Scott Kettle has decided to share his knowledge through a series of private, studio-based workshops.

Guided by the seasons, these sessions will explore both the practical aspects of tailoring, such as form and cutting, as well as broader themes, including folklore, storytelling, and long-term thinking.

Learn more about Ian’s workshops here.

Ian Scott Kettle. Photo: Jamie Trounce.

Chloé Valorso explores the value of stones at Art'otel

Cockpit Alumna Chloé Valorso will undertake a residency at Art’otel with Slow Ways Studio this May, developing ‘Dreamstones’, an ongoing research project exploring the symbolic, geological, and cultural power of stones.

Building on two years of research into hand-carved minerals, river-found fragments, and laboratory-grown crystals, she will create a new series of jewellery-sculptures combining carved stone, wax carving, and lost-wax casting. These hybrid works act as contemporary talismans.

Learn more about Chloé’s practice here.

Chloé Valorso, rings. Photo: Lea Mazy.

Get The Cockpit Edit in Your Inbox

Be the first to read our monthly edit and get access to special offers, by subscribing to our mailing list. Join our community now

Related
Content