Every month, we bring you an update about what’s new and exciting at Cockpit. From stunning products to intriguing projects to inspiring brand partnerships, here are the latest developments from our makers.
A Collect highlight for Richard McVetis
Among the many highlights from Collect Art Fair last week, we’re excited to share that Cockpit maker Richard McVetis‘s work ‘The Edge of Forever’, presented by Cavaliero Finn, was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum during the fair.
Borrowing its title from Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, ‘The Edge of Forever’ is a continuation of Richard’s ongoing exploration of pattern, time, and repetition through meticulous hand embroidery. The piece reflects his fascination with the quiet rhythms of making and the subtle shifts that emerge through repeated processes.
Richard McVetis, 'The Edge of Forever'.
Richard in his studio at Cockpit Bloomsbury. Photo: Yanis Angel.
Honouring Johnette' Taylor's craft excellence
In recognition of her craft excellence and contribution to the leather trade, Johnette’ Taylor has recently been admitted as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers.
Originally from California, Johnette’ has been designing and making leather goods in London since 2010, when she began trading from a small East London market. Since then, she has grown a distinctive brand known for quality leather bags and accessories made to last.
Johnette' Taylor in her studio at Cockpit Bloomsbury. Photo: James Champion.
Jihyun Kim & Woo Jin Joo welcome Lunar New Year with a special collaboration
Embroidery artist Woo Jin Joo and ceramicist Jihyun Kim have teamed up again to celebrate Lunar New Year with a special collaborative piece.
This year, to mark the Year of the Red Horse, they’ve created a series of ceramic jars, handmade by Jihyun, and topped with lids embroidered by Woo Jin. The pieces combine bold ceramic forms with intricate stitched surfaces, and reflect their shared fascination with mythology, folklore, and the natural world.
Jihyun Kim & Woojin Joo, 'Red Horse', limited edition series.
Catch a glimpse of Matt Nicholls in new King Charles III documentary
Matt Nicholls is a multidisciplinary artist who creates art-led pieces using sustainable and reclaimed materials. His work embraces the beauty of imperfection and demonstrates a curious and playful approach to found objects.
Recently, Matt made a surprise appearance overseeing the tile-making process in ‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision‘, a new documentary featuring King Charles III’s philosophy of living in balance with nature.
Matt Nicholls. Photos: Jamie Trounce.
Shining a light on Cockpit's leather community
Leather is having a real moment at Cockpit! Long-time studio mates Joost Pasman and Harry Owen have recently joined forces to form Pasman Owen Studio Ltd, while Michelle Wong has been using her prestigious Heritage Crafts bursary to train with leathercraft expert Nigel Armitage.
The leather buzz continued earlier this week at Leather Futures, an event organised by Central Saint Martins as part of London Repair Week. Cockpit CEO Jonathan Burton spoke about leather as a sustainable and regenerative material, while makers Tania Clarke Hall and Johnette’ Taylor shared their work and knowledge with students and staff.
Discover more about Cockpit’s leather working community in a new Instagram video series, created in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers.
Michelle Wong in her studio at Cockpit Deptford. Photo: Sherion Mullings.
Joost Pasman and Harry Owen at Summer Open Studios. Photo: James Champion.
Cockpit Awards & Bursaries open for applications next week
Thinking of applying to an Award or Bursary at Cockpit this spring? Join us for an Awards Open Day on 17 March at Cockpit Deptford.
This is an opportunity to find out more about Cockpit, hear from some of our current Awardees, and ask questions about joining Cockpit on an Award. With applications for five Cockpit Awards going live next week, this is the perfect time to discover how an Award or Bursary can benefit your creative practice.
Nicci James at Open Studios. Photo: Jamie Trounce.
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