Issue 31 Spring 2015 THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOLARSHIP TRUST MAGAZINE
In this issue Welcome to QEST, Your Majesty
Shanghai Design Week
Winning Ways
New Scholars
QEST
Announcement
Her Majesty The Queen Becomes Patron of QEST
Issue 31 Spring 2015
Gillian Murphy presents work to HM The Queen
HM The Queen meets Rebecca Harvey at Fortnum & Mason whilst Zoe Harding looks on
T
Credit: Photograph by John Swannell, Camera Press London
he Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is honoured to announce that Her Majesty The Queen will become patron in 2016.
This is a remarkable point in the Royal Warrant Holders Association’s history and we could not be more pleased to make this announcement. QEST was established by the RWHA in 1990 to help support and encourage British craftspeople working in traditional fields, and is increasingly acknowledged as a force within the craft sector. The charity has achieved considerable success in its 25 year history and has given £2.5 million in funding to 354 craftspeople working in over 130 skill sectors. In 2014, the pilot QEST Apprenticeship Scheme was launched with six aspiring craftspeople learning such skills as shoemaking, silversmithing, pottery and building conservation. They will continue for a number of years learning from the masters and become ‘industry-ready’ at the conclusion of their apprenticeship. To ensure that this becomes a distinct
programme from the traditional QEST Scholarships, Apprenticeship candidates will be interviewed in the autumn, whilst Scholarships will be awarded in the spring of each year. The charity’s relationships with warrant holding companies, livery companies, and trusts and foundations is crucial as these organisations have generously provided continued support, helping to ensure sustainability of our charitable aims. QEST remains committed to supporting talented craftspeople to reach their full potential and thus providing organisations, such as Royal Warrant holding companies, with the best of British craftsmanship.
“
Our wonderful donors have enabled us to achieve our goals. We have doubled the number of scholarships awarded each year and have now begun to roll out an apprenticeship programme. With the continued support of generous benefactors, we will be able to maintain the momentum and really make a substantial difference to the lives of makers in the United Kingdom.
”
Lyanne Nicholl, Executive Director of QEST
QEST
News
Teaching a New Generation
I
t is important for schools to reach out to their students and demonstrate the breadth of arts and crafts as well as the opportunities for future careers.
Jonathan Williams (ceramic sculptor) teaches ceramics and 3D to students aged between thirteen and eighteen at St. Paul’s School in Barnes. He curated a three-week exhibition at the Milton Gallery during January 2015, entitled '6 Months Ongoing'. Prior to his exhibtion Jonathan explained “Through a selection of ten students, I am hoping to represent a diverse range of MA graduates from the RCA”. Amongst the class of 2014 will be three QEST scholars: Oluwaseyi Sosanya, Sophie Zajicek and Jonathan himself. St Paul’s pupils are preparing for GCSE and A Levels. Its alumni include Paul Nash, Samuel Pepys and John Milton, from whom the gallery takes its name. www.jonwilliamsceramics.co.uk
Jonathan Williams in his studio
On the Right Wavelength A frisson of excitement fizzled down the corridors of 1 Buckingham Place when Quentin Letts selected the Royal Warrants for the Radio 4 occasional series, What’s the Point. He was keen to include QEST and how it had evolved. When chairman, Nick Farrow, was interviewed he was able to let the numbers speak for themselves, illustrating precisely QEST’s success. Katherine Pogson (leather worker) and Billy Lloyd (potter) both emphasised how important the link was to Royal Warrant businesses as they have supported them since they were awarded their scholarships, beyond the funding that they received for their courses; and indeed the comfort in belonging to the extended family that is QEST. www.billylloyd.co.uk www.katherinepogson.com Leatherwork by Katherine Pogson
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QEST
News
China to China Daniel Meek (stone sculptor) and Mia Sarosi (ceramics) both participated in Shanghai Design Week representing British crafts. Mia Sarosi was excited to be sending her wares to China and upholding the long tradition of East-West porcelain exchange. She selected her recent work, using soft clay forms decorated with quintessentially British traditions, such as Guy Fawkes’ night with a new pattern entitled Fireworks. “The feedback from the show was very favourable,” said Mia, “all my samples were highly popular and very well received." A free-form Welsh slate bowl created by Daniel Meek was sold for an undisclosed sum at this month’s Shanghai International Design Exhibition. The Norwich-based sculptor said: “I had a very strong feeling I should carve this particular sculptural bowl in rich Welsh slate; so I am absolutely thrilled my choice has borne fruit and the piece has been so warmly received and was sold at the International Design Exhibition.” “This was the very first occasion I had exhibited in China: it was made especially exciting and memorable for me by being part of Shanghai Design Week.”
China by Mia Sarosi
Welsh slate bowl by Daniel Meek
Landscape Show Four scholars participated in The Landscape Show in London’s Battersea Park, an event that appeals to designers, architects and landscape contractors. QEST thanks the organisers of this annual trade garden design show for giving Wayne Hart (stonecutter); Hannah Griffiths (mosaic artist); Gary Drostle (mosaic artist) and Mel Howse (stained glass artist and enameller) the opportunity to show their range of skills to an audience recognised for commissioning innovative craft.
Hannah Griffiths on her stand
"I have participated in the Landscape Show for two years and have found the event really useful for making new contacts," explained
Hannah Griffiths, "My work is usually done to commission for interiors and this was an opportunity for me to show how I can adapt aspects to the outdoors as well as bringing the outside in with my very popular silver birch mosaics. One very exciting opportunity to have come from Landscape 2014 has been the commission to make some mosaics for a show garden at The Hampton Court Flower Show next year." www.craftmaker.co.uk/waynehart www.hannahgriffithsmosaics.com www.drostle.com www.melhowse.co.uk
Issue 31 Spring 2015
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QEST Shines with Goldsmiths The bi-annual Goldsmiths’ Fair is a keenly awaited event at the opulent Goldsmiths’ Hall. The list of participants selected, highlights new practitioners and established names that attract a global following. Last summer, eight scholars exhibited with Kate Earlam, Jessica Poole, Jack Row and Sophie Stamp trailblazing in the first week and Anna Lorenz, Jacqueline Cullen, Elizabeth Peers and Ryan Mclean presenting in week two. These accomplished jewellers and goldsmiths have all benefitted from practical experience, early in their careers, as QEST scholars. The recently launched Goldsmiths’ Centre gives opportunities to those considering the profession, as it provides training and support to the goldsmithing, silversmithing, and the allied trades. The Foundation Programme introduces 16 to 19 year olds to the industry and prepares them for a successful apprenticeship under the tutelage of a Master for up to five years, giving them experience of working in a specialist workshop. www.goldsmiths-centre.org
Kate Earlam at the Goldsmiths' Fair
Motoring to Perfection The RWHA pavilion at the Concours d’Elegance at Hampton Court Palace was the perfect place for scholars to showcase their work to the classic motoring fraternity. Deborah Carré (shoemaker); Anna Lorenz (silversmith); James Kirby (stonemason); Alexandra Pye (classical guitar maker); Charlotte De Syllas (jeweller); Jack Row (silversmith); Natasha Mann (traditional Moroccan artist) and Anja von Kalinowski (couture embroiderer) showed the extensive array of crafts supported by QEST.
“Although my grandfather invented several cars, one with a steam engine which is apparently in the Science Museum, I am not particularly interested in cars but those at the Concours d’Elegance were fantastic,” said Charlotte De Syllas, a jewellery designer, who has made exquisite items for specialised collectors for 48 years and shows pieces at the Craze Gallery in Clerkenwell. “I met some very interesting scholars; QEST really is a gem in Britain.”
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Issue 31 Spring 2015
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Not Just Another Brick in the Wall
Bristol based brick sculptor and artist, Rodney Harris used his QEST funding in 1995 to develop his skills at an early stage of his career. As building materials and architectural conditions change, he has re-modelled his traditional craft of brick sculpture to produce contemporary installations reflecting their social environment. He is currently working on a six-year project at the Peabody Estate in Wandsworth. Over 500 homes are being re-built at St. John’s Hill, with the first phase featuring four of Rodney’s sculptures, opening in 2016. The carved brick in the buildings will illustrate the social history of George Peabody and the lives of the people for whom they were originally built in the 1930’s. He will also become The Leverhulme Trust artist in residence at Bristol University and explained that residencies are an excellent opportunity to push his work in different directions. Diatom by Rodney Harris
“I find that increasingly I need to engage with the local community over subject matter. Establishing the content can be quite a challenge and I have developed ways of working across departments within companies and university faculties to the point that many use it as a team building exercise. It is important to look at the history of the place as well as the aspirations of the area.” It is tempting to equate his inspiring designs with graffiti art, but Rodney’s work is permanent and encourages the curiosity of those that live and work nearby, such as the washing line, pictured above, a reminder of the Shield Laundry that occupied the shopping centre in Filton, South Gloucestershire in the Victorian era. www.rodneyharris.co.uk
QEST
News
Picking Poppies at The Tower QEST scholars Ruth Anthony (gun engraver); Sanna Palosaari (shoemaker); Sarai Vardi (book conservator); Jackie King (photographer); Sophie Zajicek (textile designer) and Mia Sabel (leather designer) together with Nick Farrow, chairman of QEST, joined volunteers, on a rainy day, in removing the ceramic poppies from The Tower of London’s installation ‘Blood-Swept Lands and Seas of Red’. Ceramic artist, Paul Cummins created more than 888,246 poppies to mark the centenary of the First World War.
Nick Farrow and Jackie King in the mud
Issue 31 Spring 2015
The production of this magazine is completed with the kind support of our advertisers.
A Moment to Reflect Gary Drostle (mosaic artist) was invited to participate in the Recontres Internationales de Mosaîque å Chartres, an important biennial exhibition of mosaics. His piece, entitled ‘Shrapnel 1914’, acknowledges the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. “This is the first time that my work has been featured in this prestigious exhibition,” explained Gary, “it has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with some of the great mosaic makers from around the world.” QEST is delighted to report that Gary received the 2nd Prize in the public vote section of the Prix Picassiette Awards. www.drostle.com
QEST
Supporting QEST
Made in Great Britain A definitive Made in Britain campaign, endorsed by the government, supported by manufacturers and recognised by consumers, at home and abroad, has created a distinctive marque to enable customers to identify British made products. QEST first heard of the initiative from one of the co-founders Denver Hewlett, CEO of Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, who together with the MinGB campaign is championing the QEST apprenticeship scheme. 2015 will see QEST’s pilot programme completed and the support of Belling and MinGB will enable two apprentices to join the QEST scheme.
The idea for a logo to identify products made in Britain was conceived by Prescot-based cooker manufacturer Stoves, (a brand within Glen Dimplex Home Appliances) following its 2011 research showing that the British public were confused about what products were made in the UK. The new member-funded organisation was launched to promote and support manufacturing in the UK. A committee of directors runs the non-profit organisation, formed of UK based manufacturers as well as leaders of other groups that support British trade and industry. www.madeingb.org
Supporting Craft Startups Alec McQuin was one of the founder members of the Highgrove Association and was its President for two years, before he became National President of the RWHA in 2014. He has been a trustee of QEST since 2011. It was Alec's desire to start a more ethical company that prompted the creation of Rokill Ltd. in 1979, little thinking that in 2000 he would receive the Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen for the provision of pest control services. As a grantee he learnt more about QEST and developed a fondness for the charity that he feels strongly gives relevance to the RWHA, who in turn provides a unique partnership in bringing heritage and culture together for Great Britain. “I admire artists and feel that it is a great privilege to work with these immensely talented craftspeople. Photography is one of my great loves, I recognise the ethereal beauty of many of the products that are shown at interview and can understand the consuming passion that applicants have for their craft,” explained Alec. “The tactile quality of a wood carving or a pewter piece brings a heart felt desire to own that artefact and that is what draws me ever closer to the crafts.” Alec’s forte is as a businessman, qualities that are useful to artisans as many set up their own companies. The fact that 93% of those awarded scholarships are still practicing, in 329 small businesses, is proof enough that the selection process, and the support given to scholars as they grow in their skills set, is a successful format. In recent years he has used his entrepreneurial skills to help several craftsmen with startups and mentored others as they feel their way into their new businesses. “To have Her Majesty as patron in 2016 is just a fantastic accolade to the vision of those who founded QEST,” enthused Alec.
Issue 31 Spring 2015
The production of this magazine is completed with the kind support of our advertisers.
Runners Supporting QEST On Sunday 12th October, twelve enthusiastic runners ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon raising a massive £6,236 to help fund an additional QEST scholarship in 2015. Four runners were scholars who appreciated the opportunity to ‘give back’ to the charity which supported them and helped get them to where they are today. Thank you to scholar runners Anna Lorenz; Emily Goodaker; Wayne Hart; Mark AngeloGizzi; QEST trustee Fiona Rae and QEST’s Fundraising Officer Julia Robinson. Not forgetting Bradley Jagger, Kim Channon, Alison Noller, Niamh Newman, Paul Strowger and an amazing team from Royal Warrant holder DR Harris. We are extremely grateful for all of your support.
QEST
Winning Ways
Highlighting Creative Genius
O
luwaseyi Sosanya received a gold medal from the British Investors Society for his solo graduation work, the 3D Weaver, cited as an ‘honourable project’.
His 3D Weaver explores new structures in three dimensions with textile samples each woven with specific predetermined behaviours. These materials have exciting applications in fashion, aerospace and medical fields. He has subsequently been invited to speak on future materials for the footwear industry in Holland. Oluwaseyi was also nominated at the World Invention Awards 2014 for the Gravity Sketch, an ingenious tool that he developed with three other contemporaries at the RCA. Designed for creatives to quickly and intuitively sketch in 3D using augmented reality. Both his creations were displayed at The British Invention Show at The Barbican and the Gravity Sketch team were invited to give a lecture at TED Athens in November. www.sosafresh.com
Zouaq Artist Natasha Mann (traditional Moroccan artist) received the Barakat Prize for an outstanding contribution to Islamic art from HRH The Prince of Wales upon completion of her MA at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts. Her winning piece was a ceiling design she had painted using traditional handmade pigments. It was sold to the Museum of Islamic Art in Malaysia and can be seen in the right of the photograph. www.natashazouaq.co.uk Natasha Mann receiving her award from HRH The Prince of Wales
Issue 31 Spring 2015
The production of this magazine is completed with the kind support of our advertisers.
Innovative Designs In The 'MoOD'
Sophie Zajicek exhibited one of her textiles, Diamond Weave, on the Innovation Platform stand at the MoOD Fair in Brussels. She was shortlisted for Innovator of the Year in the Future Materials Awards in Dresden, Germany, competing for the award against established designers and universities. Sophie's work is an investigation into woven structures and yarn combinations with the aim of producing innovative fabrics to be integrated within technical textiles for sportswear, vehicle design and architectural textiles. This sample was developed with a focus on the development of the aspects of plasticising and articulation in woven fabrics. Sophie has explored varying geometric shapes and scales to create a material that can articulate and move according to the geometry.
The material can be rolled up in one direction and compressed into a rigid diamond form when pushed in the opposite direction. The material is woven on a digital jacquard loom and consists of polypropylene, silk and wool yarns. www.sophiezajicek.com
QEST
Information
Ticks and Smiles All Round As QEST enters its 25th year, we allowed ourselves the luxury of reflecting on our achievements, but as we did a letter came from Buckingham Palace confirming that Her Majesty The Queen would become QEST’s patron in 2016. It is difficult to underestimate the importance of such a patronage as it gives gravitas to the scholars, endorses the work that we as trustees undertake, reassures and encourages existing and potential donors - the news could not be more fantastic!
On behalf of QEST I would like to thank Edward Griffiths, CVO, Deputy Master of the Household, for all his support and help with our patronage application. Also his suggestion of QEST taking on the Summer House at Buckingham Palace to showcase the success of our scholars was inspired and it was a fantastic project. We would like to wish Edward every success as he moves on to pastures new. Nick Farrow Chairman of QEST
Do you know someone who could benefit from a QEST Award? Scholarships of up to £18,000 are awarded each spring to craftspeople with exceptional talent, to enable them to advance their education and skills in modern and traditional crafts in the UK.
the craft sector. Employer or master craftsman must apply together with the apprentice, to ensure that a full training programme is provided and assessed.
The scholarships are open to all ages and even for those embarking upon a second career. The trustees look for well thought out projects that highlight applicants’ passion and commitment to their craft. Since 1991, the Trust has awarded £2.5 million to 354 artisans between the ages of 17 and 57, confident that they will contribute to the pool of talent in the UK and reflect the excellence of British craftsmanship as symbolised by the Royal Warrant of Appointment.
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, was established in 1990 with money contributed by its members, to mark the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Association.
Apprenticeships of up to £18,000 will be awarded this autumn to help enable those with flair, but little experience, to begin to forge a career in
To find out more and to apply online, visit the QEST website at www.qest.org.uk
Who’s who at Qest Chairman & Trustee Nick Farrow Farrows Ltd. Honorary Treasurer & Trustee Nick Crean Prestat Trustees Christina Abbott Burberry Mark Henderson Gieves & Hawkes Ltd. Steve Macleod Metro Imaging Ltd. Alec McQuin Rokill Ltd.
Fiona Rae Goldsmith and Enameller Neil Stevenson NEJ Stevenson President RWHA Alec McQuin Rokill Ltd.
QEST Applications Administrator Jodie Daniel Development Manager Alanna Fisher Magazine Editor Shelley-Anne Claircourt
Secretary RWHA Richard Peck QEST Executive Director Lyanne Nicholl
General enquiries Tel 020 7798 1535 Email info@qest.org.uk Media enquiries Shelley-Anne Claircourt Tel 020 7854 1827 Email info@pressoffice.co.uk www.qest.org.uk Follow us on twitter @QESTcraft QEST Scholars join us at LinkedIn/QEST Like us on facebook facebook.com/ queenelizabethscholarshiptrust
QEST Finance Manager Elena Davies QEST Development Officer Julia Robinson
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust 1 Buckingham Place London SW1E 6HR
Registered Charity No. 1152032
Front Cover Image - Oluwaseyi Sosanya Designed & Printed by www.farrows.co.uk
Issue 31 Spring 2015
The production of this magazine is completed with the kind support of our advertisers.
Thank You to Our 2014 Donors QEST remains truly appreciative to all of our donors over the years. They have enabled us to fund a total of 354 beneficiaries. Thank you to all our generous supporters who have donated and pledged funds for QEST scholars and apprentices during 2014. Adam Connolly Memorial Fund
Fortnum & Mason
The National Association of Decorative &
Almary Green Awards
The Garfield Weston Foundation
Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS)
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation
Gieves & Hawkes
Pamela de Tristan Scholarship
Associated Livery Companies
Glen Dimplex Home Appliances
Partridges
Bendicks
The Hedley Foundation
The Pennies Foundation
Brian Mercer Charitable Trust
Heritage Craft Association (HCA)
Peter Jones
The Carpenters’ Company
Holland & Holland
The Radcliffe Trust
The Clothworkers’ Company
The Iliffe Family Charitable Trust
Roberts Radio
Dairy Crest
John Smedley
The Rumi Foundation
Diageo
Johnstons of Elgin
Samsung Electronics UK Ltd
The Drapers’ Charitable Fund
J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust
The Tallow Chandlers’ Company
D.R. Harris
The Kirby Laing Foundation
Tom Smiths
Edmundson Electrical
The Leathersellers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Farriers
The Eranda Foundation
Charitable Fund
The Worshipful Company of Pewterers
The Ernest Cook Trust
Made in Britain Campaign
The Worshipful Company of Saddlers
Fattorini
Mappin & Webb
Zone Creations
Special Mentions the Hedley Foundation
Connolly Family
John Rodwell of the Hedley Foundation was the first of QEST’s donors outside the family of Royal Warrant holding companies, to support scholarships. The Hedley Foundation did this quietly without ever requesting public acknowledgement. They have shown their solidarity to QEST by being the first organisation to provide funding for a QEST apprenticeship, even though it was still in its pilot phase.
When Adam Connolly tragically passed away his parents decided to give the money that they would have spent on Adam’s carpentry training to a QEST scholarship. Stephen Tomlin, a green wood carver, travelled to Sweden to learn specific skills that he now has mastered. Adam’s family have continued to support QEST, with his cousin, Matthew Connolly, running the Brighton Marathon to raise vital funds.
Roberts Radio
Johnstons of Elgin
Innovative ideas are greatly appreciated and none more so than the Roberts Radio designed to celebrate QEST's 25th anniversary. The limited edition Royal Radio will be in fashionable aubergine with a leather strap and accessorised with gold buttons. A fixed donation will be given to QEST per unit sold.
Johnstons of Elgin have developed an eco-friendly idea that had six QEST textile scholars reaching for their sketchpads. Each will design a cashmere blanket to be made from surplus yarn. A collection will go into production this year to be sold within their shops from August 2015. Profits will go directly to QEST.
Mrs Connolly and Stephen Tomlin
SCHOLARS Issue 31 Spring 2015
QEST exists to fund the education of talented craftspeople who otherwise could not realise their full potential.
QEST
Scholars
Introducing the latest scholars to the QEST alumni. For a variety of reasons the following scholars were not able to further their careers or training without financial assistance from QEST. We are passionate about ensuring that access to the arts is accessible to all, and that the craft sector in the UK remains vibrant and diverse.
EDDIE GLEW Basketmaker Weston Scholar
Eddie undertook a 2-year apprenticeship with his father to learn the skills of willow basket weaving and studied the different techniques employed in both France and the UK. In 2010 the family business was transferred to his name. He works as a basket maker and willow sculptor based in Staffordshire, making traditional and contemporary works from the willow that he grows and harvests himself. Inspired by QEST scholar, Mary Butcher, and encouraged by The Basketmakers’ Association to apply to QEST for funding, Eddie will embark upon a one-to-one tuition with Master Basketmaker Sally Goymer for a year. www.blithfieldwillowcrafts.co.uk
ANNE PETTERS
FELIX HANDLEY
Glass sculptor
Figurative sculptor
Weston Scholar
Weston Scholar
Anne Petters is recognised as a talented artist with a growing reputation for creating technically innovative and creatively complex works in glass. She navigates multiple traditional glass processes, all the while challenging the known boundaries.
Born in London, Felix studied sculpture at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design. After graduating he worked as an artist selling to galleries and private collections, whilst experimenting with stone carving. Despite some success, Felix felt that he lacked the key practical skills required to make sculpture of the highest standard and was delighted to be accepted to study Historic Carving at City & Guilds of London Art School, where he will build up a strong basis in drawing from life, modelling in clay, and carving stone.
QEST has enabled Anne to take up a two-month residency at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, USA. This school is acknowledged as being a platform for fine arts and tutoring those with and without glass experience, in particular nurturing artists pushing the boundaries of their specialist medium. Anne has developed a specific kiln casting/pate de verre glass technique that has found recognition internationally; it gives new opportunities in working sculpturally with glass, using traditional craft methods in an inventive and contemporary way, rethinking the unique physical, aesthetic and metaphoric qualities of glass. www.annepetters.com
The course will allow Felix to develop as a craftsman in his own practice, and also to work as a restorer of stone sculpture. QEST will enable him to complete his course and to continue his family tradition of working in restoration.
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DANIEL DURNIN Furniture designer and maker Qest Johnnie Walker Scholar
Daniel worked as a cabinet maker in Oxfordshire before establishing his own workshop making bespoke furniture in North Aston, Oxfordshire. Prior to embarking upon an MA in Design Products at the Royal College of Art, Daniel worked in Australia and travelled in Russia and China. These experiences have informed his designs as he incorporates an exciting visual twist to his pieces.
The QEST award will fund his second year at the RCA where he will be able to use his vivid curiosity and his experience of different woods to focus on material investigation, various processes and develop his design within a contemporary context. www.danieldurnin.jux.com
MARGARET JONES
JOSEPH WARD
Tapestry Weaver and Textile Artist
Stone and wood conservator
Weston Scholar
Weston Scholar
Margaret Jones’ tapestries have been exhibited in galleries in Australia and the USA. A piece has recently been selected as part of Artapestry4, an exhibition touring Europe from 2015 for two years.
Joseph Ward has a background in fine art practice. He is now starting his third year of a BA Hons at City and Guilds Art School in Conservation Studies.
The level of commitment required for the Master of Fine Arts, Tapestry and Textile Course at West Dean College will not allow Margaret to continue with her work part time as a reflexologist. Therefore QEST will fund her final year so that she can further develop and expand her tapestry weaving practice and concentrate on the production of her three-dimensional weaving. www.mfjtextiles.co.uk
The QEST funding will enable Joseph to fully dedicate his final year to the long hours required to concentrate on both practical and academic skills. He is particularly interested in stone and wood conservation and aspires to specialise in these fields as a freelance conservator in the future and has already had experience working in the Museum of London, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
QEST
Scholars
JAMES ADAIR
KIM NORRIE
Master Saddler
Textile Designer
QEST Saddlers’ Company Scholar
QEST Johnstons of Elgin Scholar
James began working with leather at the age of 13 and started training as a saddler over twenty years ago. Today he is a qualified Master Saddler and his work varies from equestrian tack to making and repairing leather goods. His commissions have included leather drinking vessels for museums, bible cases and briefcases. He recently worked with QEST scholar Bob Johnston to make a Victorian basket saddle for a disabled child ensuring that he could enjoy the independence afforded by riding safely alone.
Kim won the Christy Carpets Associate Prize at New Designers in 2013 with the judges applauding her exceptional design, creativity and innovation in surface pattern design and colour work. She also received The Design in Action for Commercial Potential Award after graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Textile and Surface Design from Grays School of Art, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
QEST will provide the resources for James to attend the Side Saddle Manufacture course at The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, where he will be taught by Richard Godden, the only side saddle specialist teacher remaining. Side saddle riding is enjoying a renaissance throughout the UK and in particular in James’ native Northern Ireland where he will be the only side saddle maker in the country. www.thejourneymansaddler.com
IMOGEN WOODINGS Upholsterer QEST Brian Mercer Charitable Trust Scholar
Upholstery has become Imogen’s passion; she studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University and undertook an informal apprenticeship with J&A Upholstery in Liverpool whilst studying for the AMUSF Upholstery qualifications. Since 2012 she has been self-employed, creating bespoke footstools and cushions using vintage fabrics, as well as working on upholstery commissions of furniture. With QEST funding, Imogen will undertake the AMUSF Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Upholstery, recognised as a gold standard within the industry. She will study at Kendal Upholstery Workshop, a thriving workshop as well as a training centre.
QEST has enabled Kim to study an MA in Textile Design specialising in knit at the Royal College of Art where she will focus on the technical aspects of industrial knitting in a real-world business context. “Undergraduate design was focused heavily on the technical and conceptual components of design, with little thought towards cost effectiveness and marketability,” Kim explained. “Whereas the Textile Design course will guide me through the motions of developing real world products and designs with the final aim of setting up my own brand.” www.kimnorrie.co.uk
Issue 31 Spring 2015
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JONATHON KELLY Clock repairer & restorer QEST J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust Scholar
Jonathon trained and worked in manufacturing engineering for several years and was adept at technical drawing. However, preferring to work with his hands and with a longstanding interest in mechanical devices, he re-trained in horology at Birmingham City University. After graduating he gained further experience in a number of working environments from commercial workshops to a period of self-employment.
Since February 2014 Jonathon has been assisting the Lead Conservator at West Dean College, as an intern, on a major commercial project to repair and conserve an 18th century mechanical organ clock. The QEST award will provide vital funding to complete the post-graduate programme in conservation of clocks at West Dean College where he will learn the key skills required to work with historic clocks in the heritage sector.
LAUREN DAY
LISA McCONNIFFE
Textile designer and hand embroiderer
Textile accessory maker
QEST Bendicks Scholar
QEST Iliffe Family Charitable Trust Scholar
Lauren Day, from Houston in Scotland, has received a scholarship from QEST to attend the Haute Couture Professional Training course at Ècole Lesage in Paris. A school renowned for teaching hand embroidery, the course is taught across eight levels introducing numerous techniques used in Haute Couture. This will be an opportunity for Lauren to challenge orthodox approaches to hand embroidery and build upon the skills learnt at the Glasgow School of Art. As an emerging designer, Lauren was selected as one of ten to join an 18-month creative business incubator programme 'Fashion Foundry’ (led by Cultural Enterprise Office, in association with Wasps Artists’ Studios, funded by Creative Scotland with support from Scottish Enterprise). Within this environment she was able to define her creative identity, participate in textile industry events, and to refine her work by placing more emphasis on artisan textiles. Lauren intends to bring the knowledge gained in Paris back to Scotland to incorporate within her own range of colourdriven artisanal textiles.
Lisa has studied Art and Design and gained a BA (Hons) Fashion from Manchester School of Art. She has had considerable success in designing and making accessories, in particular tassel pieces and has undertaken projects for Eastpak and Tiffany & Co. Lisa has also worked with Issa London and Warehouse, the London High Street brands. She has also collaborated with the New York magazine TACK and won various awards. Through her experimentation with unusual colour placement combined with powerful pattern manipulation, her talent for accessories has come to the attention of the media and the London catwalk. QEST will enable Lisa to attend the MA Womenswear (Accessories) at the Royal College of Art where she will have a period of consolidation to explore her craft and push the boundaries of her designs further.
QEST
Scholars
AMY DIX Stained Glass Conservator QEST Eranda Scholar
Amy Dix, from Stockton-on-Tees, recently completed her first year of an MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management at York University. In order to fund her course she worked in various part-time jobs throughout her Undergraduate degree and during the first year of the Masters course. The QEST award will enable Amy to fully concentrate on the intense workload during her second year, and pay for the remainder of the fees. Amy graduated from Newcastle in 2013 with a BA (Hons) Fine Art degree and in the short time that she has been studying stained glass, she has displayed considerable technical aptitude. As part of the course, Amy recently completed a sixteen-week summer placement at Gustav van Treeck’s Hofglasmalerei in Munich, which gave her sustained practical experience of working on a variety of projects in a respected stained glass studio. Her specialist interest is in nineteenth century glass and the work of Morris & Co.
SAMUEL FLINTHAM
THOMAS SANDS
Stonecarver
Cabinet Maker
Weston Scholar
Weston Scholar
Samuel Flintham grew up surrounded by craftspeople; his father gave him his first set of chisels aged seven. It was while working as a guitar teacher in the Georgian city of Bath that he became inspired to study architectural stonemasonry, carving and conservation at the City of Bath College. During his studies he won a design competition for a new stone bench to sit outside the Royal Crescent in Bath, carved a chained-monkey grotesque for Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire and carried out the lettering on a large public monument in the city’s centre. After completing his studies he worked for a well known stone conservation company on numerous prestigious buildings including Blenheim Palace and Tyntesfield Orangery.
Already a practising cabinet maker producing bespoke furniture, Thomas Sands has always been fascinated with guitar making. After travelling to Oakland, California to undergo an extensive two-week interview process, Thomas was accepted as apprentice to world renowned luthier, Ervin Somogyi. This two year apprenticeship is unpaid and the master only offers one each year, providing Thomas an extraordinary opportunity to learn one-to-one, six days a week. The advantage of training under the 'father of the modern guitar' extends beyond skill and knowledge, as it will also present a network of business opportunities going forward. QEST will enable Thomas to become Mr. Somogyi's first British apprentice.
QEST has recognised his aptitude for his craft and his firm commitment to his vocation by awarding a scholarship to ensure Sam can complete the prestigious Architectural Stone Carving course at the City & Guilds of London Art School.