Meet the makers
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Cockpit Arts? How designer-makers do what they do and how we help them along the way? Here are our 'Design Shorts' films to introduce you to four of our designer-makers, along with the stories of how we helped them.
If you like what you see, why not come along to one of our
Christmas Open Studios and meet the makers at first hand.
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carréducker
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"We knew how to make shoes but didn't have a lot of experience of running a business, which involves a whole set of skills that are essential to being successful. We got a lot of support from Cockpit Arts in terms of learning these skills, from filling in tax returns to learning about VAT and marketing"
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Partners James Ducker and Deborah Carré are passionate about shoemaking, offering the best in design, craftsmanship and customer service for bespoke men's shoes. carréducker create unique, made-to-order shoes and offer a collection of hand-sewn 'bespoke essentials', limited edition shoes and accessories from their studio at Cockpit Arts, Holborn.
How has Cockpit Arts helped?
Since joining Cockpit Arts in September 2004, carréducker has taken advantage of professional development workshops, Open Studios and most recently made a successful application to the Cockpit Arts' Business Growth Loan Scheme.
What difference has it made?
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carréducker is fast establishing their business as an international brand.
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Through intensive one-to-one business planning support, they have devised a plan for growth that includes developing a ready-to-wear range, which will be launched at the prestigious Pitti Uomo Men's fashion event in Florence in 2009.
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Lucy Fergus / Re-silicone
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"The Cockpit Arts experience has been fantastic for me so far, from PR opportunities and great business advice to new friends and yoga classes. I have made positive and realistic changes to my work routine and achieved more than I could have ever imagined."
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Re-silicone was founded in 2007 by Lucy Fergus, a designer with a background in woven textiles and a love of industrial materials. She designs and makes bespoke eco-conscious products inspired by and made from waste rubber silicone. Her diverse ranges includes lighting, interior products and accessories including jewellery.
How has Cockpit Arts helped?
In 2008 Lucy was a recipient of a Bellhouse Award (funded by the Bellhouse Foundation) which has enabled her to have a studio at Cockpit Arts in Deptford. She has benefitted from numerous promotional and PR opportunities and has used our Open Studios events as a valuable market research opportunity, to inform the expansion and development of her range. Our professional development team also referred Lucy to the London Manufacturing Advisory Service which then helped her find companies producing silicone waste.
What difference has it made?
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Re-Silicone is making a name for itself, with high-profile projects such as an installation in Covent Garden for London Design Festival, as well as excellent media and television coverage.
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The London Manufacturing Advisory Service introduced Lucy to traditional hairbrush manufacturers, Mason and Pearson, which now provides her with a regular supply of natural silicone off-cuts to work with.
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As a result of the customer feedback Lucy received at Open Studios, she has developed a successful jewellery and accessories line that is already being stocked nationally.
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Jacqueline Cullen
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"I've found that being in Cockpit Arts has helped my work a lot, partly due to the exposure you get through the Open Studios but also because there's a lot of business and marketing support. You can have one-to-one coaching, whether it's about approaching the media or because you need to sort out your financial records."
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Jacqueline is the only contemporary jeweller working with Whitby jet in a non-traditional way, and she is dedicated to raising awareness of this ancient and sensual material by bringing it to a to a new audience. Her collections are sold through selected high profile galleries and outlets in the UK and USA, as well as made to commission for public and private collections.
How has Cockpit Arts helped?
Jacqueline has benefitted from one-to-one business support since joining Cockpit Arts in September 2004. In 2008 Jacqueline was one of four Cockpit Arts' jewellers showcased at the high-profile exhibition Collect. She also gained exposure through Open Studios and profile-raising opportunities during London Jewellery Week.
What difference has it made?
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Today Jacqueline's business is thriving and her sales income has more than doubled in the last two years.
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One-to-one support from the in-house team helped Jacqueline to make a successful Arts Council 'Grants for the Arts' application to make and show new work at a solo show in Canary Wharf.
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Participation in Collect and London Jewellery Week has played a significant part in raising her profile internationally. She now has work in international collections and showed in New York for the first time in 2009.
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Lush Designs
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"Being at Cockpit Arts, and having that kind of interaction with artists, has been fantastic for us because however un-commercial ideas may seem you can develop them into something with a bit of encouragement – it makes you much more adventurous."
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Lush Designs produce a range of home accessories which feature their characteristic 'folky but funky' prints. They combine traditional techniques with cutting-edge digital technology, to create ever-evolving ranges sold through major retailers, on-line via their website and in their recently opened shop in Greenwich Market.
How has Cockpit Arts helped?
Since joining Cockpit in September 2002, Lush has capitalised on the opportunities provided by the twice-yearly Open Studios and tapped into one-to-one support to help boost their business.
What difference has it made?
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The Open Studios have provided a valuable opportunity to test out new products and inform the development and diversification of new ranges.
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Their work is now reaching an international audience through their successful online shop.
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They have developed a growth strategy to take their already successful business to the next level and in 2008 opened their own shop in Greenwich market.
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