Cockpit Summer Open Studios - Bloomsbury
Cockpit Summer Open Studios 2024 - Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury
14 - 16 June 2024
Cockpit summer open studios returns this June with over 20 new makers and a new late opening in Deptford
Summer Open Studios is back at Cockpit for two weekends this June, offering the public a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of a working makers’ studio and buy direct from over 175 renowned craftspeople.
Bloomsbury: 14-16 June (VIP Preview on 13 June)
Deptford: 21-23 June (VIP Preview on 21 June)
Cockpit is the UK’s centre for excellence in craft, with two locations in Bloomsbury and Deptford, and one of the last remaining specialist craft studios in London. Twice a year Cockpit opens its doors to the public, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to meet some of the world’s most celebrated makers, working across more than 20 craft disciplines, in their studios.
Surrounded by their tools, materials and work-in-progress, Open Studios is a rare authentic glimpse behind the scenes and a chance to hear first-hand about the inspiration and process behind the work. Visitors can also enjoy craft workshops and local food and drink, as they discover the best of the best in handmade craft.
Tickets start from £4 and can be purchased at www.cockpitstudios.org – discounts are available for advance bookings, concessions and local residents.
A Fresh Take on Summer Open Studios
Summer Open Studios 2024 marks the first public event at Cockpit since the organisation’s new CEO Jonathan Burton, former Managing Director of London Craft Week, stepped into his role in May 2024. To celebrate, Cockpit will hold their first-ever Deptford VIP Preview on Friday 21 June from 3-4 pm, in addition to the Bloomsbury VIP Preview on Thursday 13 June from 5-8pm, providing VIP and industry visitors an additional opportunity to meet Jonathan and explore the studios in a more intimate context.
For the public, Cockpit has launched a new Weekend Pass (£16), which enables visitors to come and go at one site throughout an entire weekend or to spend one day in Bloomsbury and one day in Deptford at a discounted rate. In addition, local residents residing in WC1 postcodes in Bloomsbury and SE8 postcodes in Deptford will enjoy half-price entry throughout the weekend (with proof of residence), and children aged 16 and under can visit for free.
As this is the first Summer Open Studios at Cockpit Deptford following the official opening of London’s new and only Craft Garden, designed by award-winning furniture designer Sebastian Cox as part of the building’s £3.24 million refurbishment, visitors will be able to enjoy the Craft Garden at a late opening on Friday 21 June from 4-8 pm for just £5 (£4 when booked in advance).
Visitors can also enjoy food and drink in the garden throughout the weekend by visiting Cockpit’s new on-site café partner, Spring Café, which is co-owned and operated by Cockpit alumnus Rebecca George (OFFCUT). Drop-in and bookable craft workshops will also take place throughout the weekend at Deptford.
Over 20 New Makers to Discover
Some of the most exciting emerging makers call Cockpit home, partially due to the charity’s programme of funded studio placements. This gives visitors to Open Studios a unique chance to discover up-and-coming talent at Cockpit before the rest of the world.
Since winter 2023, Cockpit has welcomed 20 new makers to the studios, working across craft disciplines from metalsmithing to fine art to ceramics to traditional paper making, including:
Curating Your Visit – Must-See Makers for Summer 2024
Cockpit’s studios are also home to many established makers, and Open Studios is an opportunity for collectors, art-lovers and craft enthusiasts to meet some of the most renowned craftspeople working today.
As part of Summer Open Studios 2024, Cockpit has curated a series of new Craft Guides that lead visitors on a self-guided journey specific to their interests across both studio locations. These will be available to download from Cockpit’s website in the week before Open Studios.
Cockpit Bloomsbury Opening Hours
- Thursday 13 June, 5-8 pm – VIP Preview
- Friday-Sunday 14-16 June, 12-6 pm – Public opening
Cockpit Deptford Opening Hours
- • Thursday 20 June, 12-4 pm – Cockpit Craft Garden Party *SEPARATE TICKET REQUIRED*
- • Friday 21 June, 3-4 pm – VIP Preview
- • Friday 21 June, 4-8 pm – Public opening
- • Saturday-Sunday 22-23 June, 12-6 pm – Public opening
Tickets
- General admission: £8 advance (£10 on the door)
- Concessions (Seniors 65+, students, unwaged, disabled (carer ticket is free)): £6 advance (£8 on the door)
- Children (16 and under): FREE
- Local Residents – WC1 Bloomsbury and SE8 Deptford (on the door only): Half price with proof of residence (£5)
- Weekend Pass: £16
- Friday Late in Deptford: £4 advance (£5 on the door)
Tickets for Summer Open Studios are now available and can be purchased through Cockpit’s website or Ticket Tailor.
