About the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) supports the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships, and one-to-one training with a master craftsperson; helping to support Britain’s cultural heritage and sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts.
QEST has awarded £5.2million to over 625 individuals working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines. From guitar making to printmaking; thatching to enameling, they embrace craft in all its many forms and are proud to contribute towards its evolving tradition. QEST funding has provided an essential turning point for many of their alumni, and continues to support them throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations, and commissions through their extensive craft network.
QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. In 2017 HRH The Prince of Wales became its Patron, with Vice-Patrons the Earl of Snowdon and the Marquess of Salisbury.
We are so grateful that Tate & Lyle are making a donation of £25,000 to QEST with the special edition Platinum Jubilee tin, and it was a real treat to visit the factory recently to see the wonderful tins whizzing off the production line. This valuable support will help us grant more scholarships to talented and aspiring makers and continue to support excellence in the British craft industry.” Deborah Pocock, QEST CEO
