The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) has awarded £193,800 this summer, bringing the total given during 2013 to a magnificent £356,400. These funds provide on-going education for craftsmen and women, either in colleges, apprenticeships or one-to-one with Master Craftsmen and thus ensures the continuation of the pool of talent in the UK and reflects the excellence of British craftsmanship as symbolised by the Royal Warrant of Appointment.
JACK ROW (28) Silversmith and Jeweller
Jack Row established his own eponymous brand in 2011 with the launch of his debut collection at Harrods. He designs and creates elegant writing instruments and accessories in silver, gold and platinum frequently incorporating precious gemstones. Jack draws inspiration from engineering, iconic architecture and the intricate detailing of Islamic art. Fully immersed in his craft, his scholarship will enable him to learn and develop the traditional art of hand engraving from one of the UK’s leading craftsmen, with an emphasis on the use of new technologies specifically, compressed-air engraving tools and optical equipment.
QEST was endowed by the Royal Warrant Holders Association to advance education in modern and traditional crafts and trades in the UK. Scholarships of up to £18,000 are open to men and women of all ages and are awarded twice a year. Since 1991, the Trust has awarded £2,231,900 to 319 craftsmen and women aged between 17 and 50+ to develop their skills through study, training and work experience. All the recipients will be presented with their certificates at a luncheon in central London in June 2014. This summer, twenty-three talented artisans were awarded funds to further their knowledge and practical application in crafts that included ceramics, iconography; jewellery design; textiles and weaving; side saddlery; silversmithing and stonemasonry. Conservation was well represented, in terms of easel painting conservation; books and paper, stained glass, wood and stone conservation. One might consider Ben Short to be part of the conservation list, as a woodsman he preserves the rural landscape and with his QEST funding, he will join the select list of just 300 charcoal burners that remain in this country.