£m

Total Giving
Since 1990

Alumni
Across the UK

Craft
Disciplines

Teaching or
Training Others

Children Engaged
Since 2023

Transforming the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.

Donate £35 For 35 Years

Investing in the Future of Craft

Get Involved in QEST’s Campaign: Monday 3 – Sunday 9 November

We're celebrating 35 years of championing excellence in craft. To mark this milestone, we've launched our first ‘Investing in the Future of Craft’ campaign across our digital channels between Monday 3 – Sunday 9 November. The week celebrates craft, creativity and community, shining a spotlight on the 900-strong Alumni, partnerships and programmes, while inviting everyone to get involved by sharing stories of craft, donating £35 for 35 years, and championing its future by using the #QEST.

Our 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, we support 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 our 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. We're committed to empowering the next generation to see craft as a viable, fulfilling and sustainable career. Since launching our Partnership Programmes in 2023, we have reached over 19,000 young people and children, and supported underrepresented communities to explore craft and conservation careers.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. We are honoured that HM The King is the Charity’s Patron. As a charity, our work is made possible through the generous donations of our 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.

Join the Conversation

Celebrating the people, partnerships and impact that make the QEST craft community so remarkable. Use our toolkit and the hashtag #QEST to share your story.

QEST Toolkit: Suggested Text & Images

Open post by with ID 18091907936264324

Land Artefact, Bronze, 2026
H 52cm, W 27cm, D 6cm

Inspired by the man-made stone objects I’ve found scattered in fields during local walks across the Peak District. Their original purpose forgotten and now form a part of the natural landscape, where hard worked edges have been softened and weathered over time. A small window frames the view of the terrain for the viewer to look through.

This is my largest work to date and my first made to be outdoors among the land, seasons and weather.
This work was made possible by the qestcraft Scholarship supported by winchdesign_wd , during this scholarship I’ve been to Italy for stone carving workshops, and over the past year I’ve spent a lot of time down in Dorset with Steve and Necole of colescastings learning about different casting methods such as green sand casting and silicon mould making, understand which methods are most suitable for different forms and understanding the complexities of casting sculptures in Bronze. This training has given me the skill to develop my practice further, to scale up works for outdoor spaces. Working with bronze has been both challenging and fascinating, it feels entirely opposite to carving stone. Where stone is a reductive process, bronze is additive, requiring a completely different way of thinking and making.

This piece will feature in my upcoming solo exhibition with scottishgallery taking place in June.

Open post by with ID 18110106034756938

A belated post from a joyful and beautiful day last November.

Honoured to have received the Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2025 Heritage Crafts Awards, in partnership with QEST – Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. 🏆

The award recognises “a craftsperson or microbusiness demonstrating an innovative approach to environmental sustainability, rarely before seen, that can inspire others to explore new ways of thinking and working.”

I am specially grateful for this recognition to highlight our work at bioMATTERS Studio biomatters.llc.

The beautiful medal was specially commissioned for these awards and crafted by Thomas Fattorini Ltd, a company founded in 1827 by Antonio Fattorini, an Italian-speaking immigrant who settled in Yorkshire and established retail outlets specialising in jewellery, watches, and fancy goods.

The awards were presented at a prestigious Winners’ Reception at the spectacular Wentworth Woodhouse wentworth_woodhouse on 17 November 2025, supported by The Royal Mint and the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.

Thank you to Heritage Crafts heritagecrafts and QEST qestcraft for this amazing honour.

#heritagecrafts #qest #livingcrafts #biodesign

Open post by with ID 17868771849581715

It's been a while since my last post. Finally back home from a very intense few weeks of training in Paris as part of my qestcraft scholarship.

So grateful to qestcraft and clothworkers_co for this amazing opportunity and to the inspiring teachers at ecolelesage for their patience and dedication.

Can't wait to put my new skills to the test using my own natural materials.

Hope you are all having a good start to spring and a Happy Mother's Day if you are celebrating it!

#embroidery #modernmaker #qest #craft #hautecouture

Open post by with ID 18104622820565087

✨ QESTcraft Celebrates 35 Years of Championing Craft ✨
For 35 years, QEST has been transforming the futures of talented makers by funding their training, opening pathways to excellence and safeguarding the skills that shape the UK’s craft heritage. Since 1990, the charity has invested £7.4 million into the education of nearly 900 craftspeople across 130 disciplines, ensuring that craft continues to thrive in our cultural and economic landscape.
QEST is dedicated to inspiring the next generation to see craft as a meaningful, fulfilling and sustainable career. Through its Partnership Programmes launched in 2023, the charity has already reached over 19,000 young people and widened access to craft and conservation for underrepresented communities.

QEST has been a major stepping stone in my own career and continues to support me four years on. If you can, please donate £35 to help future makers access life changing training and opportunities, and to ensure these vital skills live on.

#QEST #FutureofCraft #Craft #Making #Conservation #ContemporaryCraft #UK #CraftInnovation #CraftExcellence #Donate

Open post by with ID 17968354973974807

qestcraft Celebrates 35 Years of Investing in the Future of Craft.

I was lucky enough to be awarded a QEST scholarship in 2014 which funded my final stage of the_amusf upholstery training, and I was then featured in the 2018 QEST book ‘A Celebration of British Craft’ - pic 2. bluebird_upholstery would not exist had I not had the support from QEST, pics 3-8 are some of my favourite pieces I’ve worked on in the last 10 years since completing my formal training, thanks to QEST!

QEST 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. Celebrating 35 years of impact in 2025, the Charity has granted £7.4 million to almost 900 craftspeople working across the U.K. in 130 craft disciplines.

To mark their 35th anniversary, QEST are hosting an online auction showcasing 35 exceptional items generously donated by QEST Alumni and friends. Every bid helps QEST champion craft excellence, protect vital skills and strengthening the future the future of U.K. craft.

⭐️Donate £35 | Bid Online Until 9 Nov | Discover Makers

➡️Head to qestcraft qestcraft to find out more.

#QEST #FutureofCraft #Craft #Making

Open post by with ID 17990838113854303

In 2023, the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust qestcraft supported me through the first ADAM Architecture scholarship for Passementerie, enabling me to train 1-2-1 with two master craftspeople in the UK.

Learning the intricate art of hand-made tassels, tiebacks, and rosettes was transformative for my practice - especially vital as there are only 4 independent designers & makers of Passementerie left working in the UK today.

QEST’s support was instrumental in not only helping me to develop my craft, but their support has been instrumental in helping the craft stay relevant, and alive, in the UK.

🎀 🏵️ 🧵

QEST Celebrates 35 Years of Investing in the Future of Craft

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust celebrates 35 years of championing excellence in craft. QEST transforms the careers of talented & aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the UK’s craft sector.

QEST’s impacting 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 paper making to bio textiles, ceramic conservation to sculpture, QEST supports both contemporary and traditional craft skills, as well as innovative techniques and practices. Advancing and individual’s career and passing on skills is central to QEST’s mission, with 72% of alumni either teaching or training other makers themselves.

Open post by with ID 18085191184965707

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) celebrates 35 years of championing excellence in craft.

Receiving my QEST scholarship in 2023 had a huge impact on my practice and the training I received from Malcolm Appleby, Angus McFadyen and Jane Short continues to shape my current work.

I am also grateful to QEST for the lasting connections I’ve made since my scholarship. It was particularly wonderful to see so many familiar faces last week at Goldsmiths’ Hall for the 35th anniversary celebration. 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you qestcraft for all you do to champion craft 💚

To mark their 35th anniversary, QEST are hosting an online auction showcasing 35 exceptional items generously donated by
QEST Alumni and friends. From sculpture and jewellery to print and decorative art, this collection celebrates the skill, passion and creativity of craftspeople from across the UK.
With exclusive one-offs and pieces reflecting skills gained through QEST training, this is a special opportunity to own a piece of UK craft and support the makers shaping its future.

Every bid helps QEST champion craft excellence, protect vital skills, and strengthen the future of UK craft.
Donate £35 | Bid Online Until 9 Nov |
Discover Makers
→ Head to qestcraft to find out more.

#qest #qestcraft #alwayslearning #35 #celebration #goldsmithshall #silversmith #northernireland #caramurphy

Open post by with ID 18101744275636242

This week, we are delighted to support the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust’s campaign: ‘Investing in the Future of Craft.’

qestcraft celebrates 35 years of championing excellence in craft, transforming the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education.

Their work has had a direct impact on our workroom at Tufton Street: our Technical Director, Anja, received a QEST scholarship that allowed her to specialise in traditional needlework. Her expertise is vital to our vestment craft today. There is no Watts & Co. instruction manual; instead, these techniques are learned on-site thanks to the guidance of Anja and her predecessors.

Anja: "Keeping traditional working methods alive and to preserve them for future generations lies at the heart of Watts & Co. We are one of the few remaining manufacturers that still work in the same way as vestment makers did centuries ago.

To preserve and to pass on these unique skills is of the utmost importance. Therefore our emphasis is on training future vestment and church furnishing makers."

#QEST #handmade

Open post by with ID 17896851672339059

GROWN FROM ROOT 🌱

The outcome of my QEST Scholarship (2024) is here! Today, I’m thrilled to reveal the new work that grew directly from my scholarship and collaboration with the talented filipponassetti . The skills and insights I’ve gained have completely transformed Rootfull’s approach to innovation, creativity, and craft.  Here’s to QEST, celebrating 35 years of supporting UK craft by funding training and education for aspiring makers and strengthening the sector’s future. 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.
Thank you qestcraft 💎

#QEST #collectibledesign #functionalart #contemporarycraft #craftmanship #materialdesign #maker #madeinbritain #britishmakers #londonartscene #contemporarydesign #sculptureart

Open post by with ID 18078368183164029

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF CRAFT

In 2013, I became a QEST Scholar – and it transformed my practice. The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust funded my training, deepened my understanding of materials, and connected me to an extraordinary community of makers dedicated to excellence.

QEST continues to nurture craft’s future, supporting hundreds of artists across the UK and safeguarding vital skills for generations to come. If you’re an artist, I urge you to apply. If you’re an admirer of the handmade, please support their incredible work.

Donate £35 or bid in their anniversary auction to help sustain the next generation of British craft. Find out more at QESTcraft or https://uk.givergy.com/QEST35/

#QEST #FutureofCraft #Craft #Making #BritishArt #CraftExcellence #SustainableArtist #QESTScholar

Open post by with ID 18180402778354363

Beautiful new work by Tripod Gallery collective member Helen Brough helen_brough who exhibited at The Affordable Art Fair last week with Narrative Gallery.

Last day today affordableartfairuk with narrativegallery_london
Delighted in the response to the new series of Hinterglasmalerei.
DM for more info and tickets
Big thanks to narrativegallery_london for all the hard work.
#affordableartfair #battersealondon #hinterglasmalerei #reverseglasspainting #contemporaryart #madeincockpit #artcollector #qest ceopenstudios qestcraft #artcurator #contemporarybritishpainting

Open post by with ID 17879837775226291

Open post by with ID 17848718205355940

Happy New Year everyone. We’ve been having a dung out and found this lovely thing. Ten years ago Kate Montagne won a scholarship from the #queenelizabethscholarshiptrust (generously funded by the #andrewlloydwebberfoundation) and became our apprentice. She made this as her apprentice piece. Have a lovely weekend everyone, Jenny x

qestcraft
#flowersculpture
#claysculpture
#qest
#qestcraft
andrewlloydwebberfoundation

Open post by with ID 18065810752684758

Over the moon to be one of eleven craftspeople chosen for the QEST scholarship program… I will embark on a journey of making my own botanical inks, which I will then incorporate into my marbling art works, especially the landscapes. I have dreamed of telling the stories of places through both its imagery and materials, and qestcraft have now made the dream a reality ❤️ You can join my journey as I will be sharing lots of experimental ink making posts over the next year and how the inks will find their way into my work.

Posted withregram • qestcraft 🥁 Drum roll please …
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.

👏 Welcome to the QEST family! 👏
Alex Owen • acme.atelier • anneathena • Catrionaarchibaldmakes • dryburghworks • fann_chau • greg_kent_art_in_wood • jackyolivermetalwork • jaccobmonk • messyoveralls • kirsty_macdonald663 • Lauren__makes • natmaks • natasharedina • samuel.waterhouse • Sarah Randle • gardleather • theresameaston • willowbloomfield

Combined with our spring grants, this brings the 2024 total to 52 individual grants amounting to £500,000! Grants are made possible through the generous support of our donors – thank you to all, and thank you to the 2024 applicants, and to our dedicated skills assessors.

🌟 Stay tuned as we share more about each craftsperson in our #MeetTheMaker series, and head to the website now to read about them!

#QEST #craftsmanship #conservation #UKMakers #silversmith #woodwork #weaving #marbling #glassblowing #ceramics #metalwork

Open post by with ID 18064758226734949

Small Ose basket, handwoven with the fresh tones of Dicky Meadows willow.

One of many things I love about these baskets are that they are real collaboration between Marcus and I; Marcus kindly makes the hoops which form the skeleton or frame of these baskets, and I weave the sides.

I’ve been fortunate enough to gain expert, kind and patient guidance from my teacher Jenny Crisp who has helped me develop my frame basketry work as part of my QEST training, which I am incredibly grateful for.

Sarah 🌿

qestcraft
jennycrisp_basketmaker

Open post by with ID 17934140492941848

Morning light on way to qestcraft hoping to find many incredible artists and craftspeople today.
.
#qest #londonlights #morninglight #givingback #makecreate #craft #educationmatters #knowledgeshare #mentorship

Open post by with ID 18041336062898338

“Gallery57 is delighted to present Oliver Chalk’s first solo exhibition.   It has been a pleasure to include his work in a number of mixed exhibitions over the past few years in which he has enjoyed success.   Self taught since obtaining his first lathe during Lockdown in 2020 and using wood gathered from his surroundings, Oliver has worked with integrity to build upon his knowledge of timber to reach the level craftsmanship he has achieved.   For the past eighteen months, Oliver has worked tirelessly to present his largest body of work. In addition to the wood vessels, he spent three months working with a foundry to learn the step by step process of casting his wood vessels into bronze, and then continued the finishing and polishing stages in his studio. This was made possible with the funding awarded for his Queen Elizabeth Trust Scholarship(QEST)  Oliver’s current collection is one of substantial pieces, deeply considered and deeply felt which he believes to be his best work to date. He has responded to the characteristics and challenges presented by each type of wood, turned the vessels and, with complete focus, maintained a rhythm while carving this surfaces.   They are enduring works of art deserving of a place in a museum.   We hope your will be able to visit and experience the collection in person to gain full appreciation of their quality.” - ANN SYMES, owner and curator of Gallery57.

gallery57_contemporaryart
qestcraft

#timespent #exhibition #artgallery #newcollection #artshow #artcurator #artnews #maker #appliedarts #emergingartist #contemporaryart #sculpture #soloshow #artcollectors #craftsmanship #surface #artcollection #qest #artistsoninstagram #soloshow #artwork #collector #arte #newartist #artstudio #artistdiary #newart #artjournal #emergingartist #artadvisor #oliverchalk #artandcraft

Open post by with ID 18016586363328887

This time next week I will be setting up for the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester, along with fellow makers as part of the QEST showcase stand.

During the fair I will be weaving one of my favourite baskets, the iconic Ose basket. Along with a range of Ose baskets, I have created a collection of unique pieces especially for the event.

I am excited to see the amazing work of over 200 makers!

GNCFF runs from Friday 18th - Sunday 20th October, with a preview evening on Thursday 17th.

Sarah 🌿

qestcraft
great_northern_events

Open post by with ID 18005946563555464

QEST training

Last November I was fortunate enough to be awarded a QEST Emerging Maker grant, and I began my training with Jenny Crisp earlier this year.

When making my application to QEST, I knew I wanted to request training that would suit me and my style of learning. As a former primary and Steiner school teacher, I’ve developed a lot of knowledge and experience around how different people learn…from the more intellectual/academic viewpoints on learning styles which were taught to me on my state school PGCE training, to the more human aspects of understanding I discovered from my Steiner teacher training.

The latter, really gave me an understanding of the importance of the relationship between teacher and student (more on that another time), and also how time affects learning. As teachers we would often work on a two or three day rhythm - delivering the content, then recalling the content, before finally using the content to create a piece of work. The idea being to give time to digest all the thoughts and feelings that arise, and quite literally ‘sleep on it’.

My QEST funding has given me the wonderful opportunity to learn in this way; I’ve been able to schedule 20 days of learning one to one with Jenny spread over 18 months. This will allow me to practise the skills Jenny is teaching me in between sessions, as well as digest all the fascinating conversations Jenny and I have while we weave. It is a rich experience indeed, so there will be plenty more to share!

Ongoing thanks to jennycrisp_basketmaker and qestcraft 🙏

Sarah 🌿

*images show details of our recent sessions working on the fitching technique

Open post by with ID 18020058575262861

The only evidence that I attended the qestcraft and royalwarrantholdersassociation annual lunch and awards ceremony guildhalllondon yesterday. Such a joy to see all my fellow scholars in real life. The QEST journey has been an absolute blast. Thank you to the whole team for the incredible support and enthusiasm they bring to the experience. I can’t recommend it enough. Not just the scholarships but also apprenticeships and now emerging makers. And also to penhaligons for sponsoring my scholarship. #qest #qestscholar #bookbinder #bookbinding #craft

Open post by with ID 18005207948585051

We may have only just opened the the62group Tailored but exhibition planning never sleeps and we have a little something to share with you. Coming up in the Main Gallery, in partnership with qestcraft 'Paperwork' 20 Jul - 17 Nov 2024. More details coming soon...

.
.
.
#comingsoon #whatson #2024 #gallery #sleaford #craft #design #handmade #booksculpture #papercraft #exhibition #savethedate #qest

Open post by with ID 17931879107714530

What an absolutely fantastic flying visit back to Northern Ireland ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

A huge thank you to craftnigallery and qestcraft for putting together such an amazing day… we had a focus group with some QEST Alumni in the afternoon, following by talks - one fabulous one being by silverlandscape shown in my pics ✨ , and the opening event which was busy as ever 🥂🥂🥂

I thoroughly enjoyed the event and meeting some new makers and hearing their stories and journeys with QEST 😊😊😊

It was also lovely to spend some time with my family and dog 🥰🥰🥰 Swipe to the end for a good bye from my floofer 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

#exhibition #craftnigallery #qest #qestcraft #excellence #craft #making #northernireland #craftni #queenelizabethscholarshiptrust #funding #support #amazing #ni #makers #makerssupport #artist #art #artists #weave #weaving #silversmith #jeweller #jewellery #event

Open post by with ID 18055923157534804

Thank you so much Rita Fitzgerald and UTV Life for stopping by Craft NI Gallery today - tune in tomorrow evening to see the feature on the upcoming QEST Northern Ireland Showcase Exhibition, and hear Lucy Cushley and Cara Murphy talk about their QEST journey!

Image left to right: Katherine Dunleavy, QEST Education & Partnerships Manager, Rita Fitzgerald (UTV) and Katherine McDonald, Director Craft NI.

qestcraft utv.ni craftnigallery silverlandscape
#craft #craftni #craftniexhibitions #qest theirishsaddler

Open post by with ID 17936041937769284

I’m very honoured to announce that I have been awarded a QEST Scholarship. Thank you qestcraft for this incredible opportunity to be part of the QEST family. This support will allow me to further develop my passion for engraving, with one-to-one training with Malcolm Appleby, a world renowned Master Hand Engraver malcolmappleby46 . I will also be taking part in The Cockpit Development Programme cockpitstudios in the new year. I’m so excited to start this new chapter in my career and I’m looking forward to showing you what I create over the next year. Lots of hard work have got me here, and there will be lots more to come, can’t wait to share it with you all.

A special thank you to Chris and Sally from handengravers and to anna_olafsson_engraver who all helped with the application process ❤️
.
#qest #qestcraft #craft #handengraving #handengraver #jewellery #jeweller #britishcraft #cockpitstudios

Open post by with ID 18338917240070161

Day 1 at Malcolm Appleby’s learning chisel engraving. This little bowl is the result of joint effort between us. Swipe to see the ease that malcolm_appleby_engraving does this. He makes it look so easy…it’s not! I had a wonderful day yesterday and ready to go again today…

Thank you to qestcraft for this opportunity and to artscouncilni for assistance towards this project.

#malcolmappleby #engraving #hammerandchisel #silver #grandtully #aberfeldy #scotland #qest #qestscholar #artscouncilni #caramurphy

Open post by with ID 18238344244082178

Delighted to be showing new work at collectartfair with qestcraft

Stand W5 in the West Wing of Somerset House

Tickets are selling fast, apparently!
The Fair is open from Friday to Sunday, maybe see you there?

📷stephen_heaton_photography

#craftscouncil #collectartfair #collect2023 #qest #raunihigson #snowdoniasilversmith #inspiredbynature #linesinthelandscape

Open post by with ID 17904015920662483

Open post by with ID 17968056847936639

And so my qestcraft scholarship has come to an end. Have had an amazing last few days being trained by robertrandall6905 - historic wood carver extraordinaire - finishing off this acanthus leaf which I started earlier on in the year. Still got an awfully long way to go with this style of carving and hope to continue practicing when I’m not making puppets. I’ve a huge respect for Robert and his work…a slightly different approach to wood carving puppets but I’ve definitely developed a huge appreciation for precision, lines, form and the endless importance sharpening chisels which I will take forward in my practice.

Will be sharing my whole experience soon with qestcraft and I look forward to maintaining a relationship with this amazing organisation which supports excellence in craftsmanship.

Swipe right to see which of these was mine >>>

#craft #crafts #craftmanship #qest #qestcraft #wood #woodworking #woodcarver #carving #woodcrafts #wooddesign #woodcarving #woodwork #woodcrafts #woodart #woodartist #acanthus #acanthus #crafter #limewood #puppetry #puppetmaker #puppetdesigner

Open post by with ID 17965881997963592

Time flies and I almost finished this beautiful adventure. Has been one of the most intense and amazing educational and personal experience in my life.

I need to thank you my my mentor kathyabbotty for everything she shared with me, for the help and the support, always. You are the perfect teacher and a lovely human being.

A special thanks to qestcraft that gave me this amazing opportunity. I had the honour to study with mentors I always loved to learn from.
Has been a really precious experience and I hope the first of many I will find on my way.

I feel grateful and blessed 🤍

#bookbinding #bookbinder #designbinding #finebinding #leatherbinding #qestcraft #relieur #kathyabbott #craftwomanship #qestscholar #qest

Open post by with ID 17892931013661939

We are very proud to announce the launch of our very own ‘QEST craft corner’ in our recently opened shop at our weaving mill here in the beautiful Mourne Mountains.

Alongside our regular collection of luxury home furnishings you’ll find a showcase of crafts by Northern Irish QEST scholars qestcraft, come and check out Lucy Cushley’s theirishsaddler beautiful handsewn leather accessories and Scott Benefield’s benefield_spencer_glass stunning contemporary glass tableware. Its lovely to be able to share the space with such talented makers.

The QEST showcase will be available to view for the duration of August Craft month, August 4th – August 31st. If you are in the area please swing by and say hello.

As well as our current range of blankets, cushions and scarves you will also be able to find our popular collection of limited edition sample products exclusive to our Mill shop and not found on our website.

Our shop address and opening times are below, please note Saturday visits are by appointment only call 028417 38373 for details.

Mourne Textiles
86 Killowen Old Road
Rostrevor
County Down
Northern Ireland
BT34 3AE

Opening times : Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm

craft.ni augustcraftmonth22 #augustcraftmonth #qest

Open post by with ID 17957835259758132

Hard at work on my marionette training as part of my scholarship with qestcraft under the direction of the incredible master puppeteer Stephen Mottram. Looking forward to the next stage of my training down in Devon with John Roberts.

#puppetmaking #puppetry #puppets #puppetdesigner #puppetdesign #puppetsofinstagram #puppet #marionette #marionettes #marionettetheatre #puppettheatre #qest #qestcraft #theatre #theatredesign #theatredesigner #tradionalcraft #woodworking #woodcarving #woodcarver #scenography #stringpuppet #puppetmaster

Open post by with ID 17919554678299275

Artefact is now open! Thank you so much to qestcraft at designcentrech for this amazing opportunity. Qest really is an incredible charity!

Artefact is now open to the public from today and closed on the 15th.

I’ll also be taking part in a conversation with helen_brough laurathomastextiles hanburypress and jemma_gunning_printmaker.

#qest #qestscholar #lcw2022 #artefact2022 #craft #ceramics #clay #exhibition #londoncraftweek #artefactatdcch #designcentrechelseaharbour #interiordesign #interiors #chelsea #london

Open post by with ID 17939298833001284

NEW! The Art of the Exceptional. ✨ Continuing our #PlatinumJubilee Celebration of Makers in partnership with The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust qestcraft spotlight, the next exhibition in our Piccadilly series celebrates excellence and ingenuity of Wood, Glass & Paper within British craftsmanship. Whether you make a special trip to see it in person or are already here for Afternoon Tea and to visit our famous Food Halls, take a detour to The Third Floor and experience The Art of the Exceptional. #Craftsmanship #Handmade #QEST #PlatinumJubilee #BritishCraft #Fortnums I FortnumAndMason.com

Open post by with ID 18278220613016255

I am happy to announce that I will be showcasing two new works with qestcraft for the 2022 edition of collectartfair somersethouse

Material Masters, will feature pieces by QEST Scholars working across a wide range of materials. Each maker has an individual voice, but they are united in their passion and devotion to mastering their chosen material, as evidenced in these wonderfully crafted objects.

Ceramicist and 3D printer Nico Conti is pushing the boundaries of porcelain by developing techniques to 3D print beautifully intricate and delicate vessels. The resulting works are inspired by memories of his childhood in Malta, with strong visual references of lace, urchins and Gothic architecture. He remarks that porcelain is “hell to make and heaven to hold – a material of contradictions. It is beautiful yet oppressive, clean and dirty, fragile but resistant.” Nico’s QEST winchdesign_wd Scholarship is enabling him to develop his knowledge of the material, its chemistry and his control – allowing unlimited possibilities to future experimental works.”

The Scholars included are:
danielfreyne
francespinnock
jessfairbrother
kathusk
laurathomastextiles
marciabennettmale
nicocontiart
otziltd
valeriewartelleart
zoewilsoncarving
.
#qest #collect2022 #craftscouncil #collectartfair #somersethouse #artfair #ceramics #clay #porcelain #porcelainart #3dprinting #artwork #artcollector #collectart #bespokeart #craftsmanship #materialmasters #qestcraft #qestscholar #craft #contemporaryceramics #ceramicsculpture #modernceramics

Open post by with ID 18007673446333150

Now I'm a qualified RSN Tutor in Hand Embroidery (having passed with - ahem - Distinction!) I thought I'd do a look back over the past three years work on the RSN FTP course. It was graft, I can tell you - but the most satisfying and productive time I've ever spent!

Here's my first full module (and my second piece) in Jacobean Crewelwork. "Bird in a Gnarly Tree" uses Appleton wool threads, John James crewel needles and linen twill from Ulster Weavers. My tutor was Heather Lewis. Embroidery is the best fun ever, trust me!

#handmade #handembroideryartist #make #makers
#embroidery #royalschoolofneedlework #rsnfuturetutors #stitchersofinstagram
#embroidery #embroideryart #embroiderydesign #britishstitchersonlockdown
#embroiderersofinstagram #mrxstitch #qest #qestcraft #needlecraft #jacobeancrewelwork
royalneedlework johnjamesneedles
qestcraft
ulster_weavers
dmc_embroidery
heatherlewisembroidery
#bird
#birdofparadise
#tree
#englishembroidery #sundayfunday

Open post by with ID 17844862070317469

Thank you for for the feature sundaytimeshome ✨

Posted withregram • sundaytimeshome Celia Dowson is a London-based artist making both ceramics and cast glass. “Inspired by sea, land and sky and the movement in nature, my glass pieces reflect the colours, the changing light, and mystery of the natural world, while my porcelain vessels, embedded with mark and gesture, capture an evolving landscape.” Celia, a qestcraft scholar, is fascinated by industrial processes and adapts traditional modelling and casting techniques to make bespoke pieces. “I’m interested in objects that we use and rituals around them. My pieces can be used or displayed quietly in your home. Although there is a story behind every collection, people see different things in the work, and this is so important to me; I want the work to evoke something in you so that it will bring feelings of contentment and calm to your everyday life.”

During lockdown Celia enjoyed making work in the garden, potting, drawing, sketching and developing ideas. She was able to model and test new pieces, work she had begun last summer, during a residency in Taiwan yinggeceramicsmuseum.

“I’m loving being busy in the studio again and have just delivered new work to maudandmabellondon and flowgallery who represent me. I’m now preparing for an exhibition londonglassblowing in September and finishing a collection of my new ceramics to be sold with bamford Bamford in August. It’s great that galleries and shops are now opening and exciting to feel the buzz this has brought to the community.” Follow on Insta celiadowson_ceramics or visit celiadowson.co.uk

____________________________
Photography by HelenCathcart and emmadudlyke
#ihavethisthingwithhome #timesproperty #thetimes #makers #makermonday #qest #kiln #ceramicstudio #contemporarycraft #glasscasting #glassartist #ceramicstudio #interiør #interiordesign #pottery #instapottery #ceramique #keramik #homeware #makersofinstagram #teabowl #handmade #ceramicartist #contemporaryceramics

Open post by with ID 17855626480809434

‘People know QEST for supporting beekeepers and boat-makers, but they’re not aware that it supports high-end craft makers as well’, says curator Brian Kennedy, whose qestcraft display for #Collect2020 art fair – open now until Sunday– looks set to change the picture.
Can't make it to Somerset House? Pick up a copy of our current issue, where Isabella Smith explores the challenges and opportunities the funding body faces and hears from the myriad makers who have benefited from its support.
Pictured: alicewaltonceramics, Pink Wall Ribbons, porcelain, 2019. Photo sylvaindeleuphotographer

Open post by with ID 18109913230047904

I have the interview I’ve had my fingers tightly crossed for with qestcraft this week so I’m might be a little quiet while I prepare.
.
& I’m a nervous! It would be so wonderful, the dream.
Any advice would be very much welcome.
.
#qest #interviewnerves #thefutureofcraft #honemycraft #keeplearning #creativecommunity #makersmovement #skills #knowledge #futureprospects #collaborations #viability #developingcrafts #heritage #heritagecrafts #southwest #cornishartist #ruralenterprise #ruralcraft #positivechange #loutonkin #printmaker

Open post by with ID 18012997204149578

We’re delighted to be exhibiting the stunning work of some of qestcraft’s finest scholar’s here at Bentley & Skinner next week. From left to right, these are the works of Kayo Saito, Jacqueline Cullen, Zoë Harding and Elizabeth Auriol Peers.

QEST's Auction: 35 Items for 35 Years

Explore QEST's online auction showcasing 35 exceptional items generously donated by QEST Alumni and friends. From sculpture and jewellery to print and decorative art, this collection celebrates the skill, passion and creativity of craftspeople from across the UK.

The auction includes a willow sculpture by Bob Johnston, a headpiece by Filipa Cardoso, personalised bread board by NEJ Stevenson, The Master’s Cut by Johnnie Walker with bespoke jacket by Jennie Adamson and a necklace by Kayo Saito.

With exclusive one-offs and pieces reflecting skills gained through QEST training, this is a special opportunity to own a piece of UK craft and support the makers shaping its future. Every bid helps QEST champion craft excellence, protect vital skills, and strengthen the future of UK craft.

Bids are currently open and close at 5pm on Sunday 9 November.

Explore & Bid

Fundraisers from QEST Alumni & Friends

Kendall Clarke portrait. Photographer Justyna Kulam

Woven textile artist Kendall Clarke hosts introductory workshops to weaving in her London workshop in support of QEST's 35th anniversary.
Multiple Dates, Book Now

2011 QEST Scholar and QEST Scholar Ambassador, Wayne Hart, supports QEST's 35th celebrations by skydiving! Wayne's fundraising page is coming soon.

Freddie Armstrong and Joseph De Ferranti walked from Lands End to John O'Groats meeting craftspeople along with way in support of QEST & Heritage Crafts.
View their Go Fund Me

The new RAH statues at door 6 and 12 24-11-23

Poppy Field & London Stone Carving presented Behind the Statues: A Sculptors’ Walk & Talk at the Royal Albert Hall in Support of QEST.
Read about the Tour Here.

Supporting Craftspeople on their Journey to Excellence

"My QEST Scholarship was a turning point, allowing me to study and refine the casting of metals — a foundation that has shaped my practice and continues to inform the work I make today."

Tom Vaughan, Wood & Metalwork

"QEST has played a major role in supporting the development of my craft practice. The funding I received enabled me to travel to the US, to a glass school called Pilchuck in Washington state, to study under master glassblowers."

Laura Quinn, Glasswork

"The training I’ve received so far with the support of my QEST scholarship has already reignited a fire within me to keep pushing my work to higher levels. Traditional skills that have often felt out of my reach now feel very much within my grasp and I’m excited to bring them into my
work."

Tozer, Signwriter

"I feel immense gratitude, to be a part of the QEST family, who gave me the most important stepping stone to pursue and further my skills to a higher level that has enhanced my personal journey as a maker. My creativity would not have evolved without QESTS generosity, and the many doors opened and camaraderie in a time of technological advancement."

Wayne Victor Meeten, Gold and Silversmithing

"It was so much more than I had hoped — literally life, career and confidence changing. This level of training would not have been achievable without the funding supplied by QEST."

Annabel Hood, Silversmith

Transforming the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.

Donate £35 For 35 Years