Cockpit Summer Open Studios - Deptford
Cockpit Summer Open Studios 2024 - Deptford
Deptford
13 - 15 June 2025
Summer open studios returns to Cockpit this June with new makers and an exciting public programme
Summer Open Studios returns to Cockpit for two weekends this June (5-8 June and 13-15 June), offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover and purchase work from the UK’s leading artist-makers. The perfect way to start your summer, Open Studios is a celebration of craft and making where visitors can pick up the perfect Father’s Day or summer wedding gift, get inspired at a talk or workshop and discover the brightest talent in craft.
Cockpit is globally recognised as a centre of excellence and its makers are noted for their extraordinary skill and imagination. Twice a year the charity opens its doors to the public for an authentic glimpse behind the scenes with exclusive access to their studio spaces and recent work. With locations in Bloomsbury and Deptford, Cockpit is sometimes seen as a hidden cultural gem. But Cockpit is also home to some of the world’s most celebrated artist-makers working across more than 20 craft disciplines, from jewellery to sculpture to woodturning, leather, ceramics, weaving and more.
Open Studios is a great opportunity to talent spot as Cockpit actively supports the next generation of makers with funded studio space, business advice and coaching. Visitors will be able to meet 175 makers, see work in progress and learn about the inspiration, materials and process behind the incredible objects made at Cockpit.
Visitors can also enjoy delicious locally sourced food and drinks throughout both weekends provided by Cockpit’s café partner, Spring Café. Spring Café Cockpit has quickly become a destination lunch spot in South East London where visitors can enjoy hot bowls, sweet treats and specialty teas and coffees inside the newly renovated space at Deptford or in the Craft Garden.
Bookable craft workshops and demonstrations will also take place during the week before Open Studios at Deptford.
Tickets start from £5 and can be purchased at www.cockpitstudios.org. Discounts are available for advance bookings, concessions (including NHS workers), and locals based in Camden and Lewisham. (Event & ticketing information on p. 4.)
Must-See New Makers for Summer 2025
Open Studios gives visitors a unique chance to discover up-and-coming talent before the rest of the world. This year, Cockpit has welcomed a diverse group of new makers to the studios, working across numerous disciplines from guitar making to glass sculpture to mosaic making, including:
- Michael Edgeworth (Bloomsbury) – classical guitar maker who creates unique instruments by combining traditional methods with his own distinct designs
- Randon Burns (Deptford) – woodturner specialising in small-scale objects that spark joy, ranging from beautiful everyday items such as kitchen utensils to toys, puzzles and decorative objects
- Ruaidhri Ryan (Deptford) – artist working with film, mosaic, azulejo, fresco and tapestry whose practice responds to advertising tropes, cinematic history and visual culture
- Shannon Lee (Deptford) – knitwear designer working solely with deadstock, thrifted and surplus materials to create playful zero-waste designs
- Sofía Barbé (Bloomsbury) – Uruguayan textile artist primarily working in needle felting who creates joyful soft pieces that draw inspiration from nature, childhood memories and play
- Ted Tinkler (Deptford) – lace knitter, spinner and interdisciplinary artist whose practice is rooted in traditional Shetland lace tradition storytelling and a connection to the land
- Theo Brooks (Deptford) – British-Cypriot glass sculptor who reinvents ancient Cypriot objects in a contemporary glass context using both hot sculpted and blown glass
Discover the NEW FACES of Cockpit in our Journal feature here.
Enhance Your Visit With a Workshop or Talk
Summer Open Studios is an opportunity for collectors, art-lovers and craft enthusiasts to meet some of the most renowned craftspeople working today. This year’s event will also offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the joy of making with a programme of workshops, talks and demonstrations.
In Bloomsbury, a series of ticketed panel talks with experts from various disciplines will be held on the mornings of Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June. Details to follow.
In Deptford, local schools have been invited to attend exclusive workshops, tours and studio visits on Monday 9 June, while local people and families can drop in on Tuesday 10 June for ticketed workshops and on Wednesday 11 June from demonstrations in the café and Craft Garden.
As part of the VIP Preview in Deptford (Friday 13 June), Cockpit maker Jasmine Bradbury will demonstrate a bronze pour for visitors. Details to follow.
Event & Ticketing Information
Cockpit Bloomsbury – 5-8 June 2025
Opening Hours:
- Thursday 5 June, 12-8 pm – VIP & Press Preview (Drinks reception from 5 pm)
- Friday 6 June–Sunday 8 June, 12-6 pm – General admission
- Cockpit Deptford – 13-15 June 2025
- Opening Hours:
- Friday 13 June, 12-4 pm – VIP & Press Preview
- Friday 13 June, 4-8 pm – General admission
- Saturday 14 June–Sunday 15 June, 12-6 pm – General admission
Tickets
- Open Access Pass (multiple entries including VIP Preview) – limited availability:
- Bloomsbury pass (4 days): £30
- Deptford pass (3 days): £25
- Bloomsbury & Deptford pass (all days): £35
- General admission: £10 advance (£12 on the door)
- Concessions (Seniors 65+, students, NHS, unwaged, disabled (carer ticket is free)): £8 advance (£10 on the door)
- Children (16 and under): FREE
- Local Residents – Camden (Bloomsbury) and Lewisham (Deptford): £5 advance (£6 on the door)
- Friday late in Deptford: £5 advance (£6 on the door)
Tickets for Summer Open Studios are now available and can be purchased through Cockpit’s website or Ticket Tailor.
All ticket sales support Cockpit’s work as a registered charity.
