Celebrating 22 New Grants — Spring 2025

As we celebrate our 35th anniversary year, we are pleased to announce that 22 grants have been awarded this spring. Together, they provide over £200,000 to support exceptional makers in advancing their craft through training and education. The recipients include 16 Scholars, 3 Emerging Makers, and 3 Apprentices working across a wide range of disciplines such as furniture making, heritage joinery, embroidery, ceramics conservation, signwriting, and more.

Mosaicist Enikő Leányvári will travel to Italy to deepen her knowledge of filato micromosaics, jewellery-making and restoration. “For me, true craftsmanship lies in refining intricate techniques and passing on the values of patience, respect, and lifelong dedication. The QEST grant is a chance to honour, sustain, and elevate the ancient mosaic tradition—pushing its boundaries while striving to match the mastery of Italy’s finest filato artists.”

Olga Prinku is a Yorkshire-based embroidery artist working with organic materials. With QEST’s support, she will train in traditional gilding at West Dean College, couture tambour beading with Hand & Lock, and embroidery techniques at the prestigious École Lesage in Paris. Olga says, “I’m immensely grateful to QEST for giving me the opportunity to train in techniques that will help me to develop new ideas and take my practice to the next level, and for welcoming me into the QEST family.”

Murray Morrant will continue his apprenticeship at Clydeside Boatbuilders in Glasgow. Murray says, “The QEST funding has allowed me to dedicate more time to learning traditional wooden boatbuilding alongside Peter Matheson. Coming from a background in architecture, QEST’s support has transformed what began as voluntary work into a focused apprenticeship and a clear path toward a future career.”

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, and thank you to those who applied and to our dedicated skills assessors who provide their valuable time and expertise throughout the process.

The next grant round will open on 9 July and close on 13 August. 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. 

Discover the Makers Below

QEST Scholars

QEST Emerging Makers

QEST Apprentices

Head to the QEST Maker Directory to explore all Scholars, Emerging Makers and Apprentices.