QEST’s Ultimate Evening of Craft at the V&A | 18 March 2026
26th March 2026
QEST’s Ultimate Evening of Craft was an unforgettable event, bringing together remarkable makers and celebrating the extraordinary breadth of craft across the UK. Held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, the evening brought together our wonderful community of craftspeople, supporters and friends for an immersive and inspiring showcase and fundraising reception. Beneath the Museum’s magnificent Dome and throughout the Medieval and Renaissance Gallery, guests were taken on a voyage of discovery, encountering live demonstrations, performances and interactive moments from over 40 QEST Alumni.
Guests were welcomed by QEST CEO Deborah Pocock and Head of Brand Heritage & Education at Penhaligon’s, Dominic Collenbridge, setting the tone for an exciting evening that combined creativity with meaningful support for the next generation of makers. A highlight of the night was the live auction, expertly led by interior designer and presenter Sophie Robinson. Unique lots included a private sitting with sculptor Rufus Martin, a painting created live on the night by Dora Lam capturing the atmosphere of the event, and a bespoke globe by master globemaker Jonathan Wright. Alongside this, a generous raffle, featuring prizes donated by Alumni and partners, added to the excitement.
With cocktails by Johnnie Walker, English sparkling wine from Gusbourne, and the support of principle sponsor Penhaligon’s, the evening was as vibrant and celebratory as it was impactful. Most importantly, the event raised vital funds to support QEST’s mission, enabling talented and aspiring makers to develop their skills, innovate for the future and build thriving careers.
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made the evening so magical, to our wonderful guests for their generosity and enthusiasm, to our extraordinary Alumni for sharing their talent and stories, and to our partners and sponsors for their invaluable support. It was a truly memorable evening, a celebration of craft at its very best and a powerful reminder of the creativity, skill and passion that continues to shape its future.
Thank you to the QEST Alumni who showcased and demonstrated. Andrea Chappell (Kiltmaking), Anne Athena (Ceramics), Ash Appadu & Carolene Yawa Ada (Puppet Making), Carl Fox (Marquetry), Charlie Tolley, Ellie Vallerini, Sahar Freemantle & Virna Pasquinelli (Millinery), Chris Polin (Electric Guitar Making), David Snoo Wilson & Isaac Stacey (Bell Making), Dora Lam (Contemporary Art), Eddie Glew & Matilda Grover (Basket Weaving), Enikő Leányvári (Mosaic), Isaac Uden (Rush Seated Chairmaking), Jacob Monk (Weaving), Jennie Adamson (Bespoke Tailoring), Jonathan Wright (Globemaking) Jon Letcher (Harp & Dulcimer Making), Joy Bonfield-Colombara & Yeena Yoon (Jewellery), Kamilah Ahmed & Olga Prinku (Embroidery), Katherine Huskie (Glass), Lewis Walduck (Horology), Lilly Deeming & William Efe-Laborde (Shoemaking), Lisa Lloyd (Paper & Metal Art), Lucy Cushley (Saddlery), Max Bainbridge (Woodturning), Mary Wing To (Leatherwork) Monty Lewis (Sporran Making), Nat Maks (Marbling), Razwan Ul-Haq (Nastaliq Calligraphy), Robert Walker (Sign Writing), Rufus Martin (Figurative Sculpture), Scott Smith (Silversmithing), Sim Orme (Bookbinding), Tom Palmer (Stone Carving), and Zena Holloway (Root Textiles).
