Stephen Bassett

Stephen has over 20 years of experience at Norwich University of the Arts, they are an accomplished specialist in most woodworking techniques. Their expertise extends to CAD design, 3D printing, CNC routing, plastics, and model making. They excel in guiding workshops and utilising all the 3D workshop resources for woodwork projects, employing their knowledge to help students and professionals bring their creative visions to life.

The first step on my journey to Norwich University of the Arts was training and working as a furniture maker in Suffolk. This led me to my interest in higher education, where I completed my degree in BA Hons in Furniture Restoration and Conservation from Buckinghamshire College (New Bucks). After working as a Furniture restorer for five years in West Sussex and Norfolk, I got the chance to work here in the 3D workshops, where I was able to extend my knowledge into all things creative. This has allowed me to learn and share new skill sets, such as metalwork and bronze foundry, mould making, model making and plastic fabrication. Over the last five years, I have helped expand the workshop’s student resources to incorporate contemporary processes such as CAD design, 3D printing and CNC router.

Learning how to teach these subjects and incorporate them into arts education recently helped me with my successful application to become a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

My enthusiasm for learning and teaching has allowed me to gain a huge library of skills which I especially enjoy sharing and problem-solving on student projects from Fine art to Architecture and Interior design.