The Company awarded a grant to contribute to the commission of a new piece of community art at charity partner Cockpit Studios in Deptford, southeast London.
Created by local artist Amber Khokhar, the new artwork is made up of collaged triangular tiles, representing the rich mix of communities in the area. Entitled ‘Head, Heart, Hands’, it is inspired by the makers and the communities that sustain them.
The work is on the external-facing wall of the new Deptford Craft Garden, part of the refurbished studios, which includes a new public area. Cockpit hopes that this will help facilitate their ambition to become more open, inclusive, and welcoming to their immediate community.
The garden is planted with native species that attract pollinators and insects. Overall, they hope that the garden helps connect art with nature and provides inspiration for Cockpit makers and local residents.
The Haberdashers’ tile sits proudly towards the centre of the mural, alongside two other Livery companies. The Haberdashers have funded Cockpit since 2012, as a way of drawing a thread back to the Company’s ancient art of haberdashery. In total, over £130,000 has been granted to Cockpit since then.
The awards fund young people starting out in the fashion and textiles industry as they establish a small business in knitwear or knit artefacts. Each of our scholars has access to a business coach and the ‘Make it Count’ workshop programme.
Cockpit says, “Thanks to generous and loyal funding, the Haberdashers’ Awards have created a legacy of knit and textile businesses. The award makes a strong impact from their earliest stages, ensuring continued success for the makers involved.”
If you have the chance to visit the studios in Deptford, it is well worth the trip. For details of their Open Studios (held each summer and winter) check their website here.
Charity
