Craig and Rebecca Struthers were delighted to be invited to a recent QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) event. The Celebration of Craft event took place on 23rd September at the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience in Edinburgh.
The event showcased pieces from 22 Scotland-based QEST Alumni and QEST Johnnie Walker Scholars, including the chased silver Platinum and Coronation Vases made by Rod Kelly for The Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh alongside textiles, ceramics, bespoke kilt and tailoring and more.
Johnnie Walker very kindly sponsored Craig’s QEST Scholarship to learn the art of artisanal watch case making back in 2017. More than just sponsors, the company has been an incredible support to all of their scholars past and present and we are honored to be part of the Johnnie Walker family.
The Pict x Johnnie Walker Princes Street Guitar, made by fellow QEST/JW Scholar Kurtis Scott using oak staves from casks and copper from stills, was played by Nicola Alexander, a member of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street team who performed with the guitar at “She Burns” in the Label Studio during the Edinburgh Fringe.
An edition of Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons was also on display. The special edition whisky was created in 2012 by more than 60 craftspeople to raise funds for the QEST Diamond Jubilee appeal.
Collaborating and networking with craftspeople from a huge range of other disciplines is incredibly important to the Struthers workshop. It inspires our creative process and it’s always a treat to be surrounded by fellow makers. QEST have been an invaluable support to us. To find out more about QEST, or, if you know someone in the UK you feel would benefit from their support, please follow the link here.
