05/11/2025
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) celebrates 35 years of championing excellence in craft. transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.
QEST’s impact is significant, having awarded £7.4 million to almost 900 makers working across the UK in more than 130 different craft disciplines since being founded in 1990. From papermaking to biotextiles, ceramic conservation to sculpture, QEST supports both contemporary and traditional craft skills, as well as innovative techniques and practices. Advancing an individual’s career and passing on skills is central to QEST’s mission, with 72% of Alumni either teaching or training other makers themselves.
A thriving craft industry is vital to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape as well as the future world of work. QEST is committed to empowering the next generation to see craft as a viable, fulfilling and sustainable career. Since launching its Partnership Programmes in 2023, QEST has reached over 19,000 young people and children, and supported underrepresented communities to explore craft and conservation careers.
As a charity, QEST’s work is made possible through the generous donations of its funders. Support from individuals and organisations ensure QEST can continue to provide transformative opportunities for talented and aspiring makers across the UK, for the next 35 years and beyond.
QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. HM The King is the Charity’s Patron.
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