19 New Grants Awarded to Skilled Makers Across the UK

5th December 2024

QEST 2024 Autumn Cohort Image 1_Maker Grid

We’re delighted to announce that 19 grants have been awarded this autumn, totalling £200,000. The recipients include 11 Scholars, 5 Emerging Makers, and 3 Apprentices, all of whom will use the funding to further their education and training across a range of craft and conservation disciplines. These grants will help support the development of traditional and contemporary crafts, from furniture making and ceramics to kiltmaking, marbling, stained glass, and metalwork.

Each recipient is using their QEST grant to advance their skills in unique and innovative ways. Marbling artist Natascha Maksimovic will refine her ink-making techniques and develop sustainable botanical pigments through specialised courses in the USA. Hand-weaver Jacob Monk, inspired by the ancient ikat technique, is travelling to Japan for formal training in kasuri. Jacob explains, “I aim to celebrate the ancient ikat technique by uniting its intricate craftsmanship with the emotional impact of colour, inspired by the natural world.”

Sarah Randle’s Scholarship will support her in completing an MA in Conservation of Wall Paintings at The Courtauld Institute of Art. Her dissertation will focus on the treatment of detached wall painting fragments. Sarah notes, “I hope to make a positive and lasting impact within the field of wall painting conservation, where I am able to combine my love for art, archaeology, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the UK.” Metalworker Willow Bloomfield will enhance their repoussé and vessel-raising skills through masterclasses with renowned QEST Scholar Rauni Higson, while glassblowing apprentice Fann Chau will master traditional techniques at Michael Ruh Studio, focusing on freeform tableware and lighting design.

In January, we begin shining a spotlight on each craftsperson through our new Meet the Maker Instagram series.

Combined with our spring grants, this brings the 2024 total to 52 individual grants amounting to £500,000. Since the Charities founding in 1990, QEST has awarded £7 million to almost 900 craftspeople working across 130 different craft disciplines. These grants are made possible through the generous support of our donors – Trusts and Foundations, Liveries, Royal Warrant-holding companies, organisations, and individuals.

Thank you to all applicants and to our dedicated skills assessors who provide their valuable time and expertise throughout the process. The next grant round will open on 6 January and close on 10 February. Grants are available for education and training, with Scholarships up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary.