The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) supports excellence in British craftsmanship by awarding funding to talented and aspiring makers wishing to further their education and training. We define craft broadly and are excited to support contemporary innovation as well as traditional craft skills. Over the last 30 years QEST has awarded £5million to 600 individuals working in 130 different disciplines. From luthiery to printmaking and thatching to enamelling, we embrace craft in all its forms and are proud to contribute towards its evolving tradition. QEST funding has provided an essential turning point for many of our alumni, and we continue to support them throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations and commissions through our extensive craft network.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. In 2017 HRH The Prince of Wales became our Patron, with Vice-Patrons the Earl of Snowdon and the Marquess of Salisbury.