Crown Paints has announced a new long-term partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to support the training and education of talented and aspiring of craftspeople.

Launched in honour of the Coronation of King Charles III, the collaboration will see Crown donate 10% of proceeds from sales of its Crafted™ range between 1st May and 31st December to fund new QEST Scholarships.

The scholarships will support individuals who demonstrate extraordinary talent to excel in their chosen trades by providing access to traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships, and one-to-one training.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990, with Crown the only paint manufacturer to hold a Royal Warrant through the entirety of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

Katie McLean, Marketing Director UK & Ireland for Crown, said: “We’ve always been passionate supporters’ of British craftsmanship and manufacturing and strong advocates for the value of skilled tradespeople.

“As we mark the Coronation, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the country’s unique creative talents and foster the skills of talented craftspeople, and we’re thrilled to be able to launch this collaboration using funding from our Crafted™ range, which was inspired by British artisans.”

Deborah Pocock, CEO of QEST, said: “QEST Scholarships provide funding to help individuals excel in their chosen craft, enabling them to advance their skills and become leaders in their profession. We are excited – and grateful – to partner with Crown and know they will be enthusiastic and supportive patrons.”

In preparation for the Coronation, QEST Scholar and artist Alastair Barford recently completed the first portrait of King Charles III to be released since the beginning of his reign.

The portrait celebrates the King’s commitment to conservation and depicts him in one of his signature blue suits. Blue is associated with royalty, trust and leadership, making it ideal for encapsulating the spirit of the Coronation, with Crown’s colour experts identifying it as their colour of the moment.

QEST has awarded over £5.5 million to more than 700 individuals like Alastair working in 130 craft disciplines and the former Prince of Wales became a patron of the charity in 2017.

The Crafted™ by Crown range of premium paints was inspired by British artisans working with the highest quality natural materials. A celebration of the nation’s paint heritage, it is available in 62 beautiful and timeless shades, expertly curated to let people add more than just colour to their rooms with three distinctive and tactile finishes: Luxurious Flat Matt, Lustrous Metallic, and Suede Textured.

For more information about Crown Paints and the Crafted™ range visit: https://crownpaints.co.uk/

For more information about QEST visit: https://www.qest.org.uk/