Inside the Studios: A Festive Journey Through Cockpit’s Creative Community
As the festive season approaches, Cockpit invites visitors to step away from the ordinary and rediscover the joy of meaningful gifting. Its Winter Open Studios — opening in Deptford during the first weekend of December — offers a rare chance to buy or commission handmade pieces directly from some of the UK’s most talented craftspeople.
Malaika Carr with a visitor at Winter Open Studios 2024. Photo: Jamie Trounce.
The event offers a glimpse into the creative processes behind each meticulously crafted object. Whether your eye is drawn to contemporary ceramics, handwoven textiles, fine jewellery, leatherwork, mosaics, or millinery, Cockpit remains one of London’s most exciting places to encounter new craft voices and distinctive design. Every purchase supports an independent maker, helping sustain the vibrant ecosystem of craft that Cockpit has championed for nearly four decades.
Scarves by Hannah Refaat
Cockpit is a centre of excellence for contemporary craft and a leader in nurturing creative talent. Through a combination of subsidised studio space, in-house business training, coaching, and commercial opportunities, Cockpit offers makers the support they need to sustain and grow their practice. Its extensive programme of awards and bursaries provides crucial financial backing, allowing craftspeople the freedom to hone their skills and develop thriving independent businesses. Beyond its studios, Cockpit supports hundreds more through outreach, training programmes, and international consultancy, strengthening the craft sector locally and globally.
Michele Oberdieck, Pink Wisp & Gold Pods
For those searching for gifts with deeper resonance — pieces that carry the mark of the hand and the individuality of the maker — Open Studios delivers in abundance. Many works will be available to buy on the day, but visitors can also commission bespoke items directly from the artists themselves, making it possible to give a gift that is truly one of a kind.
What to Expect at Cockpit Winter Open Studios
Unique Handmade Gifts
Across more than twenty craft disciplines, discover work unavailable anywhere else — from luxurious statement pieces to thoughtful stocking fillers.
Archana Pathak, Cockpit Winter Open Studios 2024. Photo: Jamie Trounce.
Shopping with Purpose
As an award-winning social enterprise, Cockpit reinvests every entry ticket into its support programmes for makers. Your visit directly contributes to the continuation of these vital initiatives.
Meet the Makers
Chat with established artisans, emerging talents, and fourteen brand-new makers joining the Cockpit community this year. Gain insight into their materials, inspiration, and creative journeys.
Darren Appiagyei, Cockpit Winter Open Studios 2024. Photo: Jamie Trounce.
A Festive Day Out
With seasonal refreshments provided by Spring Café Cockpit and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Open Studios offers an uplifting and creative escape from the busy high street.
Start Early
Browse The Cockpit Edit online for a curated selection of handmade pieces available ahead of the studio openings.
In a season defined by hurried shopping, Cockpit offers something different: time with the makers whose work shapes Britain’s craft landscape, and a chance to take home pieces made with intention.
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Further Information:
Cockpit Deptford is open from 5–7 December 2025
Opening Hours:
• Friday 5 December, 2–5 pm – VIP & Press Preview
• Friday 5 December, 5–9 pm – Late Opening (General Admission)
• Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 December, 12–6 pm – General Admission
Tickets start at £5, with discounts for advance bookings, concessions (including NHS workers), and local residents.
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Image Credits:
Lead: Ho Lai Tablewear, courtesy of Cockpit
All further images as credited in photo captions.