Thursday, 18 June 2026 · Truman Brewery, U Block
With the recent closure of Holborn Studios, we're happy to confirm the new home of the New Blades 2026 - The Truman Brewery, U Block. This is a wonderful venue which we believe is a fantastic new setting for the show.
New Blades
2026
The Future of Model Making
Public showcase from 1pm. Morning reserved for judging, patrons, invited industry, and university staff.
New Blades is where studios meet the emerging talent pool directly, course leaders compare notes with industry, and the wider public sees the best graduating work all under one roof.
32 years of launching careers in model making. 5 university programmes exhibiting. Awards from 6pm.
Why People Come to New Blades
It brings emerging talent, industry leaders, and the wider community together under one roof.
For Students
Get in the Room with the People Who Hire
This is your chance to meet real industry leaders face-to-face. It’s a space to have genuine conversations that can actually inspire you and help navigate the jump into a career. You’ll get to show off your work and potentially open up real avenues for employment with the studios and companies attending.
For Industry
Meet the Next Generation of Makers
Come and hear from the freshest thinkers in the industry right now. It’s a great way to shift your perspective and get one-on-one access to talent without the usual CV filter. You get to hear from real potential candidates and talk to them candidly about their work and how they think.
For Everyone
A Celebration of the Craft
A New Blades award carries real weight in the industry and you’ll hold that legacy for life. Whether you’re celebrating end-of-year deadlines or winding down for the week, it’s a chance to celebrate the craft across our industry. With prizes across 13 categories and a £1,000 cash prize for the best in show New Blades Award. The exhibition opens at 1pm, with awards from 6pm.
Who Will Be There
We’re showcasing work from the UK’s leading model-making universities alongside the titans of the industry. The next generation of talent and industry leaders, all under one roof.
Exhibiting Universities
Day Structure
Thursday, 18 June 2026 — Truman Brewery, U Block. Public showcase from 1pm.
Public Admission
1pm
Doors open to all from 1pm. Earlier activity is reserved for judging, patrons, invited industry, and university staff.
Judging + Private Preview
Morning activity is for judging, patrons, invited industry, and university staff. This is when the first conversations around talent and courses begin, but it is not the public opening time.
Open Showcase
From 1pm, everyone can explore the exhibition, meet the makers, and see the work that drew industry in earlier in the day.
Awards + Drinks
The awards ceremony begins at 18:00, followed by drinks and the wider community celebration.
Where To Find Us
Truman Brewery, U Block
Backyard Market, 146 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
London
Thursday, 18 June 2026
~15 min walk from Old Street and Angel tube stations
Key Dates
Things are moving. Here's what's coming up.
Apr
1
Student registration opens
Universities
Apr
30
Ticket requests open
Everyone
Jun
8
Student submissions close Next
Students
Jun
11
Preview opens
Patrons & Universities
Jun
18
Show day
Everyone
Why New Blades Matters
Model making is an extraordinary craft — and the people entering it deserve a proper stage.
Free for Universities and Students
New Blades used to charge universities to exhibit. Not any more. Patronage from the industry now funds the show, because celebrating new talent shouldn’t cost the people producing it.
Built to Connect, Not Just Display
Students don’t just put work on a table. They meet the studios and workshops who actually hire, in structured one-to-one conversations that lead somewhere.
Funded by Industry Because It Matters
The patrons behind New Blades aren’t sponsors buying a logo. They’re investing in the pipeline of people who’ll shape the craft for the next thirty years.
The Awards
A New Blades award isn’t just a prize on the night — it’s a credential you carry for life. In a close-knit industry, it opens doors, starts conversations, and marks you as someone the craft took notice of early. Past winners have gone on to lead studios, mentor the next cohort, and give back to the community that celebrated them first.
The New Blades Award
The Mastery Award
The Pioneer Award
The Interaction Award
The Storyteller Award
The Compass Award
The People’s Choice Award
Previous Winners
A New Blades award stays with you. Here’s where it took some of our past winners.
Ed Allen
Arts University Bournemouth
BA (Hons) Modelmaking
Awards
Best in Show, Most Ingenious, Outside the Box, Best Product Model
The Work
His work included a full replica Boeing 737 throttle quadrant designed for a flight simulator and a fully 3D-printed F1 car.
Now Working At
Amalgam Model Makers
Mya Barrow
University of Hertfordshire
BA (Hons) Model Design: Character & Creative Effects
Awards
The Twistfix "WOW" Factor Award
The Work
Her award recognised exceptional skill and detail in sculpture, creating life-like characters and props.
Now Working At
Senior Prop Maker & Sculptor, Shadowbox Studios
Aileen Wright
Northbrook College
BA (Hons) Prop Making & Special Effects
Awards
The Twistfix "WOW" Factor Award
The Work
Her Rocket Raccoon model won for its realism, articulateness and accuracy. She now designs for brands including Loewe, The London Palladium, and Tesco.
Now Working At
Freelance Model Maker, 4+ years
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & Attending
The Venue
The Show
Awards
For Universities & Industry
Still Got Questions?
Our team is happy to help with anything about the show.
Get Involved
Support the show as a patron or bring your programme to exhibit. Gold and Silver patronage funds free university participation, and universities now exhibit at no cost.
Become a Patron
Gold and Silver patronage offers direct access to emerging talent, structured one-to-one meetings, and conversations with the course leaders shaping the next generation of model makers.
Become a PatronExhibit at New Blades
Give your graduating students industry exposure, direct contact with patrons, and a chance for staff to hear what industry wants now while your university exhibits for £0.
Exhibit at New Blades