The Company makes regular awards of studio space at Cockpit Arts, a creative incubation hub in Deptford, South London. Randon Burns is our latest winner.
American born, Randon has lived in London for some 20 years and in now a British citizen. His journey into woodturning began in 2023 after it became clear that his previous career as a translator was being reshaped by advances in AI. Moving away from screen based work, Randon explored various crafts including woodcarving, stone carving and silversmithing, before discovering woodturning, which quickly became a passion.
Throughout 2024, Randon honed his skills at Blackhorse Workshop in Walthamstow, a space supported by the Company, where he found not only excellent facilities but also a supportive community of fellow turners. By the end of 2024, he had come full circle, going from taking his first course in woodturning at Blackhorse to teaching woodturning there himself, a role he continues today. He takes great pleasure in introducing new people to the craft.
Randon’s rapid progress in turning, and the Company’s Cockpit Arts Studio award for 2025, led him to move into a dedicated studio at Cockpit, where he is now developing his practice. With a keen interest in pushing the boundaries of contemporary woodturning and incorporating his other craft skills, he continues to refine his techniques and explore new creative possibilities within the medium.
Randon Burns, our latest Cockpit Arts awardee
