Craft Central
London
E14 3AE
Meet the people who make Craft Central happen.
Premises and Studio Manager
With a long history of fundraising and managing community projects, particularly for a housing association, Patrick also has substantial experience in managing workspaces and placemaking, as well as supporting the charity sector. He is interested in nature, DIY, and has some success making play equipment for a two year old.
Director
Originally a classical musician, Jo joined Craft Central in 2022. She has been leading organisations in the Creative sector to run transformative, effective and productive businesses for over 10 years as well as supporting individual artists and makers. She loves knitting, dogs and running, and regularly travels to Scotland to visit her 2 grown up children and to participate in trail running adventures.
Studios and Programmes Manager
Long-standing team member Marguerite is the Programmes and Studio Manager. Heading up the events and exhibitions as well as managing the studios and licence holders. She has a keen interest in the applied arts, having studied Textile Design at Central St Martins. She normally has a craft project on the go. Previously she has run her own vintage clothes business which she still has a keen interest in.
Digital Communications Officer
Anne-Sophie is a hands-on digital project communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience working with small and medium size businesses to maximise their online presence and look after their communication. She's been working at Craft Central for the last 6 years, looking after their digital marketing and their communication. In her spare time, when she's not looking after her children or travelling, she mentors small businesses.
Finance Administrator
Emily Mackillop has worked for Craft Central for many years in various roles, she has been the finance administrator since 2017. In the other part of her week she is a practicing Artist specialising in hand stitched textiles. She started her creative business Emily Jo Gibbs at Craft Central in Clerkenwell in 1993.
Participation and engagement officer
Adele is an artist and facilitator who worked for many years with Deptford-based organisation Heart and Soul. She has led workshops at places including Sounds Like Chaos, Southbank Centre, Wellcome, The Tate, Lauderdale House, Attitude is Everything, and Parliament Hill School.
Interim Co Chair
Joined Craft Central early 2021. She is currently Project Producer at the Decolonising Arts Institute, University of the Arts London. She is also currently on the Board of The Bomb Factory Art Foundation. She brings her strong field expertise to support Craft Central expansion and development.
Joined Craft Central in 2022. Kate is an HR professional currently working for FMCG.
Treasurer
Joined Craft Central in 2022. She is currently Director of the Platform Store Limited and Stacy Chan Limited. She brings her strong business and financial expertise as well as her experience in the sustainable retail industry and pop-up shops to Craft Central.
Interim Co Chair
Joined Craft Central in 2021. She is currently an Investment Specialist at Legal and General Investment. She brings her skills and enthusiasm in stakeholder management, community engagement, strategy, investments and ESG.
Simonne is a seasoned advertising professional with over 9 years of experience working on top brands such as Max Factor, Rimmel, and Gucci. Alongside her advertising career, she has also honed her skills as a freelance theatre director, having worked at prestigious theaters such as the Young Vic, Park Theatre, and Southwark Playhouse. Simonne brings a unique blend of advertising and theatre expertise to the role of trustee for Craft Central.
Joined Craft Central in 2023, Olesya is a Programme Manager with expertise in governance, strategic transformation, compliance, and change management. She brings extensive experience from the healthcare sector, including various vast NHS transformation programmes. Indulging a creative side, her millinery designs have been featured at Royal Ascot and various London pop-up events. Olesya is well-known in the local community through her volunteering and running successful events and charity projects.