PRESS RELEASE: QEST’s 35 Items for 35 Years Auction

In celebration of their 35th anniversary, QEST are hosting an online auction showcasing 35 exceptional items generously donated by QEST Alumni and friends. From sculpture and jewellery to print and decorative art, this collection celebrates the skill, passion and creativity of craftspeople from across the UK.

The auction includes a willow sculpture by Bob Johnston, a headpiece by Filipa Cardoso, personalised bread board by NEJ Stevenson, The Master’s Cut by Johnnie Walker and bespoke jacket by Jennie Adamson, a ceramic vessel by Ella Porter and a necklace by Kayo Saito. With exclusive one-offs and pieces reflecting skills gained through QEST training, this is a special opportunity to own a piece of UK craft and support the makers shaping its future. Every bid helps QEST champion craft excellence, protect vital skills, and strengthen the future of UK craft.

As a charity, QEST’s work is made possible through the generous donations of its funders. Support from individuals and organisations ensure QEST can continue to provide transformative opportunities for talented and aspiring makers across the UK, for the next 35 years and beyond.

During the final week of the Auction, Monday 3 – Sunday 9 November, QEST will launch its first ‘Investing in the Future of Craft’ campaign across digital channels. The week will celebrate craft, creativity and community, shining a spotlight on the 900-strong Alumni, partnerships and programmes, while inviting everyone to get involved by sharing stories of craft and championing its future by using the #QEST.

The auction will close at 5pm on Sunday 9 October. QEST | 2

All Auction Lots

• Andrea Spencer, Glass Sculpture
• Bob Johnson, Willow Sculpture
• Charlie Calder-Potts, Mixed Media Artwork
• Davina A Chapman, Three Framed Cartoons
• Ella Porter, Ceramic Vessel
• Epona Smith, Silver Engraving
• Filipa Cardoso, Headdress
• Fiona Arnold, Basketry Workshop
• Frances Priest, Ceramic Vase
• Hanny Newton, Framed Embroidered Artwork
• Isabelle Davies, Stained Glass Hanging Panel
• Julian Calder and Kate Holland, Fine Book Binding
• Kate Pankhurst, Embroidery
• Katherine Huskie, Glass and Gold Earrings
• Kayo Saito, Necklace
• Kumiko Kihara, Sterling Silver and Gold Pendant
• Lauren Day, Framed Thread Palette
• Leilah Vyner, Willow Cat Sculpture
• Leilah Vyner, Willow Dog Sculpture
• Leszek Sikoń, Hand-Forged Knife
• Lisi Ashbridge, Personalised Letter Carving
• Lucy May Schofield, Woodcut Print Hanging Scroll
• Margaret Jones, Woven Tapestry
• Meg Buick, Lithograph Print
• Melissa White, Decorative Chest
• Michèle Oberdieck, Glass Vessel
• Ndidi Ekubia, Silver Beaker
• NEJ Stevenson, Personalised Engraved Bread Board
• Pia Östlund, Limited Edition Nature Print
• Poppy Field, Bronze Portrait
• Sarah Loughlin, Woven Basket
• Scott Benefield, Glass Vessel
• Sofia Karakatsanis, Side Table
• The Master’s Cut, Johnnie Walker & Jennie Adamson
• Theadora Ballantyne-Way, Print

Celebrating 35 Years of Impact and Investing in the Future of Craft

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) celebrates 35 years of championing excellence in craft. QEST transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.

QEST’s impact is significant, having awarded £7.4 million to almost 900 makers working across the UK in more than 130 different craft disciplines since being founded in 1990. From papermaking to biotextiles, ceramic conservation to sculpture, QEST supports both contemporary and traditional craft skills, as well as innovative techniques and practices. Advancing an individual's career and passing on skills is central to QEST’s mission, with 72% of Alumni either teaching or training other makers themselves.

A thriving craft industry is vital to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape as well as the future world of work. QEST is committed to empowering the next generation to see craft as a viable, fulfilling and sustainable career. Since launching its Partnership Programmes in 2023, QEST has reached over 19,000 young people and children, and supported underrepresented communities to explore craft and conservation careers.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. We are honoured that HM The King is the Charity’s Patron. QEST | 3

35 Items for 35 Years! QEST’s Auction

To mark their 35th anniversary, @QESTcraft are hosting an online auction showcasing 35 exceptional items generously donated by QEST Alumni and friends. From sculpture and jewellery to print and decorative art, this collection celebrates the skill, passion and creativity of craftspeople from across the UK.

The auction includes a willow sculpture by Bob Johnston, a headpiece by Filipa Cardoso, a ceramic vessel by Ella Porter and a necklace by Kayo Saito. With exclusive one-offs and pieces reflecting skills gained through QEST training, this is a special opportunity to own a piece of UK craft and support the makers shaping its future. Every bid helps QEST champion craft excellence, protect vital skills, and strengthen the future of UK craft.

About the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust

QEST transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector. Celebrating 35 years of impact in 2025, the Charity has granted £7.4 million to almost 900 craftspeople working across the UK in 130 craft disciplines. Through key partnership programmes, the Charity also inspires the next generation to explore craft and making careers. QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. HM The King is the Charity’s Patron.

qest.org.uk