Blackhorse Workshop – A delightful decade of a “new” way of working

It’s the tenth anniversary of Blackhorse Workshop! The lively mustang has run from strength to strength. My best ever move, my dear Blackhorse, I will always stand by you and do right by you.

People have always shared their workspaces, and successfully so. What makes BW so special? Simply put, it is the relaxed atmosphere, allowing frequenters to get involved in as much or as little as they wish in the activities.

Located in London, Blackhorse Workshop is an open-access community space where creativity thrives through wood and metalworking. Since its establishment in 2014 by Assemble, LB Waltham Forest, the Mayor of London, and Create, the workshop has provided affordable access to tools, workspace, and friendly technical support.

At Blackhorse Workshop, the focus is on making, mending, and learning. It operates like a public library for crafting, offering a range of woodworking and metalworking equipment. Visitors can embark on projects from building window boxes to repairing furniture or even creating carnival floats. The welcoming space encourages social interaction and idea-sharing among makers.

There’s also Blackhorse Responders, which I think contributes a lot to the secret sauce, a very successful project based here, engaging young people aged 16-25. Over the course of five months, each cohort develops ideas for their own social movement while learning essential skills in design, making, and activism. This project resonates deeply with me, and I am eager to find a way to collaborate with the Responders. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get involved and support their creative journeys.

Situated in a vibrant area with a rich Arts & Crafts heritage, Blackhorse Workshop aims to redefine the role of production in the city. It fosters a collaborative environment where everyone can explore their creativity.

The workshop features fully equipped workspaces for both professionals and hobbyists, along with a regular schedule of engaging classes and activities designed to help individuals develop their skills.

For those interested in joining, more information is available on how to become a casual or professional member. Inquiries can be directed to info@blackhorseworkshop.co.uk.

In addition to its workshops, Blackhorse Workshop includes a cozy community café and 40 studios for local creative businesses. As the workshop prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024, it looks forward to continuing its growth and making a positive impact in the community.

10 Years of Making it Together at Blackhorse Workshop

To celebrate 10 incredible years of our makers community here at Blackhorse Workshop, this special exhibition brings together past and present members, showcasing the amazing diversity of creativity that’s thrived here—from hand-crafted furniture and lighting to sculptures and forged homeware. 

September 21^st & 22^nd – 12-5pm

Our main workshop has been transformed into a vibrant showcase of creative talent, with pieces displayed in a collective installation, creating a unified environment to highlight the collaborative spirit that defines us. This showcase is a true testament to the community we’ve built together over the last 10 years! 

This is more than just an exhibition. It’s a celebration of makers who have been part of our journey, no matter their age, background, or stage in their creative career. Be inspired! 

William Morris Design Line

The Blackhorse Workshop 10 year anniversary forms part of a whole celebratory weekend of activities for the William Morris Design Line .

William Morris Design Line presents an open weekend of design, craft and making across Blackhorse Lane and Argall Industrial Area for London Design Festival. Visit www.wmdesignline.com for the full programme listings.

Here at Blackhorse Workshop on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September we will be presenting a special showcase of work featuring a range of craft practices – from furniture making to lighting design, metalwork and sculpture. We’ll also be hosting tours of the workshop, woodturning and blacksmithing demonstrations not to mention some fun making activities.

The William Morris Design Line presents an open weekend of design, craft and making across Blackhorse Lane and Argall Industrial Area. Between 20 – 22 September makers and creatives in our corner of London are opening their doors and showing you behind-the-scenes. This is a rare opportunity to meet the makers, discover the process behind their work and try your hand at making.

It’s our birthday, too!

It’s also the tenth anniversary of General Design Project! I just realised that! An auspicious event. Whatever occurred in the distant past of the observable which resulted in this happy coincidence, I am grateful. Without Blackhorse Workshop, GDP wouldn’t have come this far. The reverberation of experiences and the influences of this one-of-a-kind institution will always be felt in the future embodiment of GDP, no matter where or when it takes place.

#WMDL2024 #londondesignfestival #openhousefestival #UKSPF #WFCulture