Open studios round-up - Christmas shopping in London

With a combination of the cost of living crisis and the environment weighing on people's minds, the need to Christmas shop wisely has never been more paramount. The well coined phrase 'less is more' springs to mind.

To source gifts that that are thoughtful because they are not mass produced, why not plan a visit to an artist and maker's open studio?  Over the next few weekends, there is a flurry of studios open. You can meet maker's, see them at work and buy beautiful and original handcrafted art, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and woodwork for friends and family.

The open studios kick off this Friday with Cockpit Arts Open Studios in Holborn 24th - 27th November. Then pencil in the following weekend - 2nd - 4th December for Cockpit Arts Open Studios, Deptford. Across two venues, Cockpit Arts is home to over 160 makers. Entry to the sites are £6 if you pre-book. For a truly original and wholesome shopping experience, you can buy your tickets here.

For the weekend of 2nd - 4th December, also visit Pullens Yards and The Chocolate Factory.

Pullens Yards were purpose built in 1880 for craft makers to live and work. Now they are studios for modern makers, but because of the surrounding cobbled streets, a visit is like going back in time. Entry to the studios is free.

The Chocolate Factory is open on Sunday 4th December only.  Tucked away in the heart of Hackney, this hidden gem is home to 27 creatives. 

The Arches in Peckham is open both the weekends of 24th - 27th November and 3rd - 4th December as part of a Camberwell Arts Festival trail.  There you will find 10 makers selling their wares. Other studios open as part of Camberwell Arts Festival include Vanguard Studios and Coldharbour studios.

Buying an original piece for a loved one that has been uniquely handcrafted provides a new meaning to Christmas giving. Not only are you giving something that will be treasured because of the thought that has been put behind it, but also you are giving much needed support to small businesses, ensuring creative hubs like these thrive for the future.