Welcoming New QEST Alumni — 26 Makers Receive QEST Grants

We are delighted to grant £275,000 to 26 craftspeople this spring, with recipients including 5 Apprentices, 8 Emerging Makers, and 13 Scholars across embroidery, glasswork, letterpress printing, saddlery, signwriting, stonemasonry conservation and more, enabling individuals to develop skills, strengthen individual practices, and nurture the next generation of UK craft and conservation talent.

Izzy Knights is an aspiring heritage craftsperson based in Cornwall. She is on a QEST-funded apprenticeship with qualified stonemason and conservation specialist Jo Thompson of Tekter Lime and Stone. “Funding for my apprenticeship is life changing,” says Izzy. “It gives me the opportunity to access training and qualifications that I couldn’t otherwise afford and provides a clear pathway into a career in heritage conservation. I’m excited to learn traditional skills, work on historic buildings, and contribute to keeping these important crafts alive for future generations.”

Embroiderer Sophie Boylan experiments with bioplastic alternatives to sequins and other fashion embellishments. Her QEST Emerging Maker Grant will be used to study haute couture embroidery techniques at École Lesage in Paris “Without QEST’s support, I would never have the opportunity to undertake such an advanced level of training,” she says. “This opportunity is allowing me to deepen my craft, push my practice further, and invest in the future of my work with a level of confidence that would otherwise be impossible.”

QEST Scholar Tobias Newbigin is trained in traditional signwriting and decorative glass techniques. With QEST funding he’ll be able to train in hand bevelling, French embossing, and more techniques suitable for conservation-grade restoration and bespoke commissions. “I am truly grateful for the QEST Scholarship. It will enable me to spend valuable time doing one on one training with some of the remaining masters of the craft, saving me thousands of hours of mistakes,” he says.

These grants are made possible through the generous support of QEST’s donors, including Trusts and Foundations, Livery Companies, organisations, and individuals. QEST thanks everyone who applied and to their dedicated skills assessors who provide valuable time and expertise throughout the process.

QEST grants support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. With the ambition to sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts, we provide funding for training and education with Scholarships up to £18,000, Emerging Maker Grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary. Applications are open twice a year with the Spring 2026 grant round running 14 January — 18 February.