| 1986 |
Camden Recycling creates small ‘starter’ units at Cockpit Yard for young unemployed people starting up a craft business. |
| 1988 |
Taken over by Christopher Baggott, Cockpit expands into a community of 20 workshops under the banner of Cockpit Studios. One of the first to introduce ‘Open Studios’ events. |
| 1993 |
Cockpit Arts is formally incorporated and becomes a registered charity |
| 2000 |
The organisation expands into a hub of 100 designer-makers |
| 2002 |
Vanessa Swann is appointed as Chief Executive. The Deptford premises opens – accommodating a further 65 designer-makers |
| 2004 |
A programme of professional development workshops introduced. |
| 2005 |
A business incubator model is introduced. |
| 2005 |
Sees the first of a series of high profile site-specific installations by Cockpit Arts designer-makers – these include The Great Eastern Hotel, The Shop at Bluebird and Canary Wharf Window Showcase. |
| 2007 |
The professional development workshops are opened out to creative-businesses operating outside Cockpit Arts, reaching a further 300 designer makers each year. |
| 2008 |
Research findings exploring business activity & performance in the craft sector are released. |
| 2009 |
Cockpit Arts’ Maker Difference campaign generates over 12,000 supporters for designer-makers. Cockpit designer-makers report an average 158% increase in profit. |
| 2010 |
Making It is launched with a Online Resource & Tool Kit. Cockpit Arts becomes a fully fledged Social Enterprise and Chief Executive, Vanessa Swann is awarded the Arts & Business Garrett Award for outstanding achievement in the encouragement of business support for the arts. |
| 2011 |
Exciting celebrations for 25th Birthday and a new Consultancy Service which grabs global interest. The Prince’s Trust partners our Creative Careers programme. |
| 2012 |
Made in London, Loved Worldwide campaign celebrates a report highlighting that 57% of Cockpit Arts designer-makers are now exporting their work, compared to only 30% nationally. |
