Workshop Residency 2027
Applications for the 2027 residency are now closed.
Hensby Workshop Residency 2027 is a funded creative development programme exploring how traditional making practices can facilitate and enrich contemporary design in wood. It brings together a small group of practising makers to develop new work through research, material experimentation and making.
The programme combines an initial period of ideas development with a four-week workshop residency, providing funding, dedicated making space, workshop facilities, technical support and regular peer discussion.
Each maker develops an individual piece or small collection, with consideration of production, pricing and potential markets running alongside the creative work. The residency culminates in a public exhibition during London Craft Week, presenting the finished work and the ideas behind it.
Developing new work
The residency supports work with wood or tree-derived materials at its centre, across furniture, objects, craft, design and sculpture.
Projects may begin with a material, process, question or idea, exploring the possibilities traditional making practices offer for contemporary forms, ideas or uses. There is room to draw on, adapt and develop techniques and ways of working.
Each project will result in one piece, or a small collection of up to three pieces, exploring the same concept in different forms.
Applications required a considered starting point with scope for investigation. A finished design was not expected at the application stage.
Residency support
- £2,000 per maker towards development and making time.
- A £1,000 materials budget per maker.
- A dedicated workspace for the four-week workshop residency.
- Access to a full machine room, following induction and an assessment of relevant experience.
- Technical and creative support throughout.
- Structured peer reviews and creative concept development.
- Photography and presentation of the work.
- Participation in the London Craft Week exhibition.
Residency structure
Ideas development
Research, drawing, preliminary tests and individual conversations take place before the workshop residency. Preparation is agreed around each proposal, establishing an emerging direction and initial investigations before arrival.
Workshop residency
Four focused weeks combine experimentation and making with technical support and group reviews. Regular discussion provides a setting for sharing progress, examining ideas and exchanging practical knowledge. Each maker develops an independent project within this collaborative setting.
Exhibition
The finished work and its development will be presented during London Craft Week. The exhibition title will be developed by the group during the residency. Attendance is welcome but not required.
A future for the work
Consideration of potential buyers and markets is a core element of the residency, running alongside the creative development of the work.
Discussion of making time, material costs, pricing, profitability and the scope for further production or commissions forms part of the development process. These considerations inform the work while allowing scope for experimentation.
Participating makers
The residency is intended for makers with an existing practice and a developed body of work. Proposals may extend an established interest, explore a different process or develop work beyond regular commissions.
Previous work should demonstrate an individual approach and the practical experience to work independently. Participation involves attendance throughout the four-week workshop residency and time for preparation beforehand.
Dates and commitment
Preparation and conversations agreed individually.
Monday to Friday. Work completed by 26th February.
Attendance is welcome but not required.
Applications and selection
Applications included an introduction to the maker’s practice, examples of previous work and a proposal for development. They also covered the approach to development, practical requirements, potential buyers and availability. Supporting sketches and tests were optional.
Applications are assessed on the quality of previous work, the clarity and potential of the proposal, and how traditional making practices could contribute to the design and development of the proposed work. The contribution the residency could make to the applicant’s practice and feasibility within the programme are also considered.