Studio
Supported Studio Programme
A professional studio opportunity for emerging jewellery makers within my expanded jewellery studio at Cockpit Arts, Bloomsbury.
Applications open Autumn 2026 | Places available from January 2027
A new chapter for Yen Jewellery
After nearly 30 years of designing, making and running an independent jewellery business, I am opening my expanded studio at Cockpit Arts 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.
Studio Makers will have the opportunity to develop their own practice while gaining insight from my experience of building and sustaining an independent jewellery business. Through structured conversations, shared studio experience and exposure to real working practices, makers can develop a deeper understanding of the creative, practical and decisions involved in building a sustainable jewellery career.
The programme is built around learning through proximity, observing 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 makers develop excellent technical skills but face challenges when moving from education into professional practice.
Building a sustainable jewellery business involves much more than making beautiful work. It requires understanding how to develop collections, price work, manage production, communication and make informed decisions about the direction of a 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 Arts, 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.
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. Two weekday and weekend access.
- A professional working environment
- Insight into the running of an established jewellery business
- Structured creative and business-focused guidance
- Access to Cockpit Arts’ wider creative community and business support
- Opportunities for professional visibility through Cockpit Arts 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
- Are in the early stages of building their professional practice
- Want to strengthen the business and strategic side of their work
- Value being part of a shared professional studio environment
Programme Overview
Location
Cockpit Arts, 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
£350 per month