The Weavers’ Award Comes to Cockpit

05.11.25

Cockpit is thrilled to welcome the first-ever recipient of the Weavers’ Award to our community of talented makers!

Shannon Swinburn is a woven textile artist exploring the invisible labour of craftswomen. Through speculation, counterfactual histories, and material storytelling, her practice highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in emergent technology – investigating the intrinsic connections between gender, textiles, and modern-day computing.

Shannon’s work centres on uplifting and foregrounding the voices and lived experiences of marginalised people, starting from and connecting with histories and aspirations that are close to her own. Through her practice, she aims to platform undocumented stories, highlighting the role of craftswomen in the progression of technology and society by engaging with both traditional and unconventional archives.

Shannon has received The Sarabande Foundation Residency, The Blackhorse Workshop Residency, The Haberdashers’ RCA Scholarship, The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation Prize, and The Textile Society Student Bursary. She has exhibited as part of the Selfridges x House of Bandits Gallery and Concept Store, further cementing her reputation as an innovative voice in textile art.

‘Receiving the Weavers’ Award is an amazing honour and a wonderful opportunity to expand my practice in a supportive and encouraging environment. Weaving is at the heart of my work, informing both the materiality and the conceptual framework through which I explore the connections between textiles and computing.

With craft forming such an integral part of practice, becoming a part of such a welcoming and vibrant community of craft makers feels incredibly special. I can’t wait to develop new woven works with the amazing facilities at Cockpit, and I’m so grateful to the Weavers’ Company for awarding me this opportunity.’

Shannon Swinburn

About the Weavers’ Company

The Weavers’ Company, the oldest recorded City of London Livery Company, has championed weaving since 1130. Today, it supports innovation and excellence in textiles, nurturing emerging talent through awards, grants, and mentorship. The Weavers’ Award celebrates promising weavers at a pivotal stage in their careers, helping them build sustainable, creative futures while honouring the rich heritage of British weaving.

‘We’re thrilled that Shannon Swinburn is the recipient of the Weavers’ Award at Cockpit Arts. Shannon’s distinctive approach to weaving brings fresh energy and innovation to the craft, and we can’t wait to see her thrive within the vibrant Deptford community. As part of the [Cockpit community], she’ll have the perfect foundation to grow her practice.’

James Gaselee, Clerk to the Company, The Weavers’ Company

Cockpit is proud to be partnering with the Weavers’ Company on this exciting new award, building on our mission to open up pathways for exceptional new talent.

Learn more about the Weavers’ Company here.
Learn more about Cockpit Awards and Bursaries here.

Related
Content