Introducing The QEST Youth Board

^{The QEST Youth Board’s First Meeting}

QEST is proud to announce the launch of The Youth Board, a pivotal step in ensuring young voices are at the heart of our work. This dynamic group of individuals, aged 16–25, brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, united by a shared passion for craft and creativity. Their insights will enrich our decision-making, directly influencing our programmes, and the future of craft in the UK.

Chaired by Sally Angus, QEST’s Programmes Assistant, Youth Board members will act as advocates for QEST, helping to shape our strategies and strengthen our mission to champion craftspeople across the country. They will feed directly into our Board of Trustees via QEST Trustee Robin Belfield.

QEST Trustee Robin Belfield says:

The creation of The Youth Board is an exciting opportunity for QEST. QEST is committed to inspiring and supporting future generations of makers and craftspeople, therefore it’s fundamental we ensure that the voices of young people are central to our thinking and planning. I look forward to working with this talented group of young craftspeople and being a direct link between them and the QEST Trustees.

At QEST, we are committed to sustaining vital skills in both traditional and contemporary craft. However, many young people face significant barriers when pursuing careers in the sector. Our Crafting Tomorrow programmes aim to tackle these challenges and inspire the next generation of makers. The Youth Board will amplify younger voices, providing valuable insights to help us create a more inclusive and accessible craft community. Through regular meetings and collaborative projects, they will contribute to all areas of our work, and ensure our support is relevant to young people’s needs.

Meet The QEST Youth Board

We’re thrilled to introduce the founding members of The QEST Youth Board: Ana Del Río, Elizabeth Jarvis, Gabrielle Mitchley, Lewis Walduck, and Luke Philips. This group of talented young people is already making an impact, and we look forward to seeing their contributions to QEST and the wider craft sector in the months to come.

Ana Del Río

Ana is a fashion designer specialising in leathercraft and the founder of her own brand, ANA DEL RIO. She bridges traditional leathercraft with modern design, preserving this heritage skill while advancing it within the fashion industry. Ana hopes to give back to the craft world through the charity sector and is driven by a lifelong mission to champion leathercraft.

“My passion is to design and craft timeless leather garments inspired by heritage and tradition, which focus on the innovation of surface techniques highlighting leather’s natural beauty and inherent properties.”

Elizabeth Jarvis

“I wish to connect others through woodworking in hope of passing my skills onto the next generation of young makers.”

Elizabeth is a carpenter and woodworker who started her journey at age 13 and established her own workshop at 15. She shares her skills with others, including leading projects with primary school children, and is passionate about making craft more accessible to young people. Elizabeth hopes to break down the barriers she faced, ensuring woodworking is recognised as a viable career path.

Gabrielle Mitchley 

“I’m passionate about inspiring young people to learn new skills and hobbies, and educating them on how they can build a career doing what they love.”

Gabrielle is a 2024 QEST Saddlers’ Company Scholar practising equestrian craft, including saddlery, harness, and collar making. She believes in nurturing creativity and giving others the opportunities she has had. Gabrielle’s background equips her to recognise and support young people with similar challenges, helping them to pursue fulfilling craft careers.

Lewis Walduck

Lewis is a horologist and 2023 QEST Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement Apprentice where he studied at The Clock Workshop. He now works within the clock department of Bonhams Auction House. Helping to safeguard heritage crafts, giving back to QEST and supporting young people in their craft journey are a few of the reasons for Lewis’ interest in QEST’s Youth Board.

“As a specialist in Bonhams’ clock department, I’m driven by a deep passion for history and craftsmanship, bringing together my love for antique clocks and the stories they tell with every piece I handle.”

Luke Phillips

“I’m a young goldsmith with a passion for all things metal, hoping to delve deeper into antique conservation in the future. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with the QEST Youth Advisory Board to improve entry routes and inclusivity for young people within the heritage craft sector.”

Luke is six months into a three-year apprenticeship in traditional goldsmithing and Japanese Tosogu, an ancient decorative metalworking technique. With a background in art, Luke is dedicated to addressing barriers young people face in entering craft careers, promoting equal opportunities, and challenging the exclusivity of terms like ‘natural talent.’