The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (affectionately known as QEST) is an art and
craft educational
trust created to sustain traditional British
craftsmanship. It is a British institution committed to helping support craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, at a critical stage in their careers. The trust was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the
Royal Warrant Holders Association and the 90th birthday of
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon (4 August 1900 – 30 March 2002) was Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 to 6 February 1952 as the wife of King George VI. She was the l ...
. In 2016, QEST welcomed Her Majesty The Queen
Elizabeth II as Patron in her 90th birthday year.
QEST offers two forms of grant giving: scholarships and apprenticeships.
QEST
scholarships are for individuals more established in the field, looking to complete additional training and excel in their craft. Grants given by the trust aim to help those who already have a significant degree of skill in their chosen craft to develop those skills to a very high level. Grants range from £2,000 to £15,000, and are often given to cover tuition fees and living costs during an individual's training.
QEST
apprenticeships are for individuals wishing to begin their career in a practical art, to enter into on-the-job-learning with a master craftsperson. These collaborative grants are awarded to both parties, to fund the tuition and employment of an apprentice during the duration of their three-year apprenticeship. Grants range from £6,000 to £18,000 and are often given to fund material costs and supplement the individual's wage.
The 130 crafts that QEST fund the study of include
horology, fine
metal work,
book binding,
woodwork,
stone masonry,
leather working
Leather crafting or simply leathercraft is the practice of making leather into craft objects or works of art, using shaping techniques, coloring techniques or both.
Techniques
Dyeing
The application of pigments carried by solvents or water in ...
,
silversmithing,
cordwaining,
textile design & making,
sculpting,
basket weaving and
tapestry.
Since 2013, QEST have been offering an Award for Excellence annually to a QEST Scholar who has made an outstanding contribution to their craft and the sector, whilst demonstrating their commitment to training and passing on skills to the next generation. The winner is presented with an engraved medal designed and made by
Thomas Fattorini Ltd and £1,000 prize.
External links
www.qest.org.uk
Educational charities based in the United Kingdom
Social welfare charities based in the United Kingdom
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