Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios - Our Top 5 Picks
Cockpit studios – in London’s Bloomsbury and Deptford – are once again opening their doors for this unique shopping experience that is just as much about a celebration of expertise as it is about finding Christmas gifts.
Of course, you can buy beautiful handmade objects, but you can also meet fascinating world-leading designers and makers inside their studios and be part of a movement towards a more sustainable model of shopping. Cockpit is home to over 160 makers at work but we have chosen just 5 of our stand-out favourites to look out for this year:
Basket maker Lisa Atkin is a contemporary and sculptural basket maker. She worked with stained glass for almost 20 years before being introduced to - and falling in love with - basketry. Her quirky, sculptural pieces combine materials found in both the natural and urban environments.
Castro Smith started training as a painter and printmaker. His illustrative and painterly style comes through in the design of his rings. His artwork is inspired by history, myths and biology - having always been obsessed with creatures and their creations. His intricately engraved signet seal rings now sell to an international clientele.
Natural textile artist Ellen Mae Williams, whose hand-painted linens you can find on The Garnered, is is showing work created during her recent residency on the Greek island of Skopelos. Ellen's practice combines textiles with mark-making, each piece is a unique, abstract interpretation of the natural world, reflecting the changing seasons and weather.
Jason Lock learnt the craft of woodturning whilst on a carpenter and joinery apprenticeship. After years as a carpenter, a terrible accident, where he fell through a roof and fractured his spine, sent him back to this craft as he could turn wood sitting down. His experiments with wood and resin have led to a collection of stunning pieces on which a swirling resin surface reveals planets, oceans and stars.
Holly Loftus's hand-forged knives are both useful and beautiful. The carbon steel blades are sharp and durable, while the handles are made from native timbers sourced from family-run sawmills in England. The result is elegant tools which enhance and elevate the everyday process of preparing food.
