Welcoming New QEST Alumni — 18 Makers Receive QEST Grants

We are proud to fund 18 craftspeople this autumn, with recipients spanning 3 Apprentices, 7 Emerging Makers, and 8 Scholars across textiles, ceramics, woodwork, paper artistry, horology, and more. Together with our Spring cohort, this brings QEST’s total support in our 35^th anniversary year to almost £400,000 across 40 individual grants, helping to develop skills, strengthen individual practices, and nurture the next generation of UK craft and conservation talent.

Embroidery artist and Scholar, Kamilah Ahmed, creates bespoke artworks that merge heritage craft with material innovation. “Central to my practice is showcasing embroidery beyond the surface, integrating it with unexpected materials like metal, wood and structural form to create work that is sculptural, immersive and culturally resonant,” explains Kamilah, “and the QEST grant allows me to deepen and expand my technical expertise into three-dimensional realms and realise work on a fuller scale and ambition.” Kamilah will carry out a series of one-to-one trainings including silversmithing with QEST Scholar Jacky Oliver.

“Being awarded a QEST Scholarship is an extraordinary honour,” shares Edinburgh-based tile maker Craig Peebles, and Creative Director of Welby and Wright. “I followed in my father’s footsteps and it was in watching his quiet mastery that I first understood how clay, colour and patience could become something lasting. Every piece I create carries a trace of what he taught me. I have long admired QEST’s dedication to craft from afar and to now be welcomed into that family is deeply meaningful. This support gives me the rare opportunity to deepen my skills, explore new creative possibilities and honour my forebears; while helping to ensure that encaustic tile making continues to flourish in Britain.”

Emerging Maker Ash Appadu specialises in marionette woodcarving, and he was previously part of the Homo Faber Fellowship (of which QEST is the UK partner) with QEST Alumni Oliver Hymans. “I love the process of turning a concept into reality,” shares Ash. “My independent practice explores themes of identity, ecology and reconnecting with my Mauritian heritage. I found that marionette making is an incredibly visually striking and technical way to play with these complex concepts through carving characters. I look forward to finding these figures, training with master artisans and most importantly continuing to uplift this magical art-form with the amazing support from QEST.”

These grants are made possible through the generous support of our donors, including Trusts and Foundations, Livery Companies, Royal Warrant-holding companies, organisations, and individuals. Thank you to all, and thank you to everyone who applied and to our dedicated skills assessors who provide their 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.