Supported Studio Programme
A professional studio opportunity for jewellery makers within YEN Jewellery studio at Cockpit, Bloomsbury.
Applications open Summer 2026 | Places available from January 2027
A new chapter for YEN Jewellery
After nearly 30 years of designing, creating and running an independent jewellery practice, I am opening my expanded studio at Cockpit to support the next generation of jewellery makers.
The Supported Studio Programme has been created for technically confident emerging jewellers who are ready to develop their own professional practice and would benefit from working within an established jewellery studio environment.
This programme offers more than access to a professional bench; at its heart is mentorship, collaboration and the opportunity to become part of a creative community.
Studio Makers will have the opportunity to develop their own practice while gaining insight from my experience of building and sustaining an independent jewellery studio. Through structured conversations, shared studio experience and an understanding of professional workflows, makers will gain a deeper understanding of the creative and practical decisions involved in building a sustainable jewellery career.
The programme is built around learning through proximity, engaging with professional workflows, collection development, production processes, client relationships and the day-to-day realities of running an active jewellery practice.
Why I created this programme
Throughout my career, I have seen many talented jewellers whose technical ability was never in question. The greater challenge has been translating those skills into a sustainable independent practice. While education provides an essential foundation, it cannot fully prepare makers for the realities within the creative industry, developing a distinctive voice and sustaining a creative career over time.
Building a sustainable jewellery practice extends far beyond making beautiful work. It requires the confidence to develop collections, price work, coordinate production, communication and make thoughtful decisions that define the direction of a creative practice.
The Supported Studio Programme has grown from my own experience of building YEN Jewellery and my desire to share the knowledge and insight gained through that journey.
This is not a technical training course, and it is not about promising success. It is about creating the conditions in which talented makers can develop their practice with greater confidence, professional insight and access to opportunities.
The Studio Maker Opportunity
The programme offers:
AN IMMERSIVE STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Learning in situ and through proximity to an established working jewellery studio and gaining insight into the creative and commercial realities of professional practice.
TWO STUDIO MAKER PLACEMENTS
Within my professional jewellery studio at Cockpit, WC1N.
A 12-MONTH SUPPORTED PLACEMENT
Designed to provide time, structure and stability while developing an independent practice. Following an initial probationary period and review process, places can be extended annually by mutual agreement.
Places are offered through a competitive application process, with applicants selected on the quality of work, commitment to developing an independent practice, and contribution to a shared studio environment.
Studio makers will receive:
- Personal bench space within a professional jewellery studio
- Access to shared jewellery equipment and workshop facilities
- Four-day weekly studio access. Weekday and weekend.
- A professional working environment
- Insight into the running of an established jewellery business
- Structured creative and business-focused guidance
- Access to Cockpit's wider creative community and business support
- Opportunities for professional visibility through Cockpit events
- Potential freelance or production-based opportunities may be offered
Who is this programme for?
The programme is intended for jewellery makers who:
- Have completed jewellery training or have equivalent experience
- Are technically confident and able to work independently
- For independent jewellers ready to take the next step in building a sustainable creative practice
- Want to strengthen their professional development within an established studio space
- Value being part of a well equipped studio and shared community environment
Programme overview:
LOCATION
Cockpit, Bloomsbury WC1N
PLACES AVAILABLE
Two Studio Maker positions
PROGRAMME DURATION
12 month fixed-term placement with the opportunity for renewal following a review process
START DATE
January 2027
SUBSIDISED STUDIO FEE
Full details are available in the application form. Fees are Inclusive of 1-1 mentoring, Cockpit business support and utility bills
Interested in applying?
View programme details & apply
