QEST: A long-lasting collaboration

2016: The Cambridge Satchel Co. was honoured to begin working with The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to create a special, limited edition collection of bags to celebrate both excellence in British Craftsmanship and Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday. Like all our products, the collection is handmade at our workshop in the heart of England. Five years later, we reflect on why this collaboration is so important to us.

So - what is QEST? The trust supports the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships and one-to-one training with a master craftsperson. In short, QEST provides an impressively strong link between education and craftsmanship. That says it all - we were built on those same two causes, so we knew that we had to collaborate with QEST. It’s a natural fit given our commitment to all things British, and our Founder Julie Deane CBE’s ambassadorship for the charity.

We’re proud to say that a donation of 20% is made to QEST from every bag sold. And what’s not to love about these bags… the collection has been beautifully created using Celtic grained leather with an Oxblood colour base and Navy trims on each bag, and finished with brass hardware and a gold foil-embossed QEST and The Cambridge Satchel Co. logo. The QEST seal is placed on the front of each bag - a beautiful reminder of your contribution!

This leather has been specially selected for its high quality, smooth grain and its long-lasting resistance to outdoor elements, meaning that it ages beautifully.

This special edition collection includes some of the most iconic styles created by The Cambridge Satchel Co., including:

The 11 inch Satchel in Red Celtic Grain - Classic, timeless, bold. This collaboration wouldn’t be complete without the bag that made us what we are today.

The Emily in Red Celtic Grain - The ultimate work bag, with a bright twist. One of our personal favourites.

The Melody in Oxblood and Navy Celtic Grain or Red Celtic Grain - Stylish and compact, the Melody is adorned with gold hardware that echoes the QEST roundel sitting in the centre of the bag.

The Large Traveller in Oxblood and Navy - Our modern take on the vintage camera bag. Spacious, unique, a conversation-starter.

It is no wonder, then, that we have chosen to collaborate with QEST for so long. A partnership reflecting the long-lasting impact of education on craftspeople, which helps the creation of beautiful, sturdy, handmade British products for years to come!

Julie Deane CBE, CEO & Founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company, is an Ambassador for QEST and passionately supports British craftsmanship through the work of the charity and her own workshop.