QEST

Who we are

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 over £5.2million to 675 individuals working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines. From guitar making to printmaking; thatching to enamelling, we 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 our alumni, and we continue to support them throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations and commissions through our 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 our Patron, with Vice-Patrons the Earl of Snowdon and the Marquess of Salisbury.