Why we're excited about Open Studios

24May10

Our Open Studios are coming up on 1-13 June (Holborn) and 8-20 June (Deptford), at this time of the year the flowers are blossoming, the sun is shining (well sometimes) and designer-makers at Cockpit are all working away feverishly getting ready to show new pieces at the Open Studios in June.

Getting ready for Open Studios is seriously hard work but it is also one of the most rewarding times of year for us at Cockpit. The studios ‘butterfly’ from hardworking creative stations to colourful showcases of edgy jewellery, hot home ware and fluttering fashions. Visitors seem to buzz with the thrill of seeing behind the scenes or getting their hands on designs before they hit the shops and suddenly all the hard work seems to have paid off.

So, to the nitty gritty, what are we most excited about this Open Studios? I asked the designer-makers for their hottest new pieces this summer and here are some of the highlights:

Hot Home Ware 

Let your floor boards light up with Follow Me an illuminating eco installation by Lost Values.

Put your feet up and enjoy the sunshine on Thornback & Peel’s goldfish or nautical deckchairs, £125.

Look out for new cushions, cups and lavender bags from Elle Deco’ favourite, Catherine Hammerton, in her trademark vintage style.

Make a splash this summer with a piece of spectacular glass by new maker Charlotte Sale. Prices range from £50 – £3,000.

Take tea for two on the lawn with Sena Gu’s playful Cauliflower teapot, £60.

Bring the outside in with Clare Coles’ new range of ‘Woodland Animals’ collages made with embroidered vintage wallpaper.

The new supersize lampshades from the ladies at Lush are über huge and über lovely.

Tis’ the wedding season so Jo Heckett’s ‘Mr & Mrs & Wedding Date’ porcelain magnets are a must.

For London Jewellery Week:

Jana Reinhardt’s new ‘Flight of Fancy’ range, marries the bold and glamorous with the delicate and quirky. Her sparrow earrings (£213) are like summer on a hoop. 

Be the talk of London Jewellery Week with Clara Breen’s exquisite paper pieces. Prices range from £38 – £400.

Want inspiration for Fathers Day? Allison Wiffen’s brand new Classic Car cufflinks are as cute as a button. £41.50

Add summer sparkle with the brand new Bon-Bon range by Rachel Galley which encases shades of blue topaz stones in the form of delicate drop earrings, necklaces rings and pendants.

Look out for Maya Selways’ stunning new collection this summer which will feature uncut black diamonds, pearls and gold dust fusing.

Adorn yourself in summer’s coral colours, with a sea bamboo ‘Bubble’ bracelet by Glint Jewellery, £109.

Tania Clarke Hall’s tactile new range features natural tone leather with bright coloured edges as well as ‘Floral Motif’ pieces in red, black and natural leather.

Yen’s new ‘Day’ collection is all about a simplicity that can be enjoyed everyday.

Front Row Fashion

Justin Oh is offering three special summer batik pieces to Open Studios visitors (Prices £9-£45) comprising a-line bias cut skirts, bags and ‘cloth oyster card wallets.

Think starry summer nights with Simon Ekrelius’ new ‘Star Dust’ collection which brings together architectural influence with shimmering mineral in gunpowder black, pale silver silks and organza.

Look out for sassy summer tailoring from new designer-maker Elizabeth Radcliffe.

Milliner Karen Henriksen’s summer collections are a celebration of the sights and sounds of South Africa. Look out for the colourful couture ‘Pata Pata’ collection and Windswept ‘Antlantic Raiders’ hats inspired by ‘the beautiful game’. 

Lena Santana will be showing ‘Flowering’ a collection bursting with summery vintage fabrics lovingly sourced from unusual places.

Yukiness has designed a dramatic geisha wig inspired by a mysterious Japanese myth about a fated kimono…

Attractions

Whilst at Open Studios you can also pop into our pop-up cafés by Kennards and enjoy fabulous FREE attractions:

Kids Fun with Re-silicone
Keep little fingers busy, helping Lucy Fergus create a stunning and sustainable Re-Silicone rug from waste rubber off-cuts.
FREE, Holborn & Deptford

Prize Draw
The Re-silicone rug created by Lucy Fergus and her team of little helpers will be up for grabs. Post your prize draw slip in one of the boxes to get in the running!
FREE, Holborn & Deptford

Flash Workshop – Leatherwear

Katherine Pogson is a leading leatherwear designer. For this special taster session she will be creating leather fashion accessories. Visit www.designercourses.co.uk to find out more about Katherine’s cutting-edge courses.
Saturday 12 June, 4pm – 4.45pm, Make Suite
FREE, Holborn, BOOKING: On the day, first-come-first-served basis, places are limited and booking is essential. 

Flash Workshop – Millinery
Work with expert hat maker Judy Bentinck to make your own fabulous fascinator. The workshop provides a taster of Judy’s more in-depth workshops and private tuition. Log onto to www.judybentinck.com for details.
Sunday 13 June, 4pm- 4.40pm, Make Suite
FREE, Holborn, BOOKING: On the day, first-come-first-served basis, places are limited and booking is essential. 

Flash Workshop – Crochet Jewellery

Teri Howes creates exquisite crochet jewellery in precious metals. For this taster session you will crochet with wire to create a pretty necklace with beads. For more details on Teri’s courses visit http://www.terihowesjewellery.com/classes.php

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June, 4pm – 4.45pm, Studio 312

FREE, Deptford, BOOKING: On the day, first-come-first-served basis, places are limited and booking is essential. 

As well as Bloom and Alumni Showcases and other summery displays.

See you there!

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Tags: exhibition, shows