West Dean College Awards
Bass Hyman - Outstanding Excellence
We’re pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Founders' Brunel Awards for Metalwork at West Dean College.
These awards recognise significant accomplishments in the field of craft metalworking, and we acknowledge the achievements of two individuals: Laura Day and Bass Hyman.
Most Progress, Metalwork: Laura Day
Congratulations to Laura Day for receiving the Most Progress Metalwork award. Laura's development in metalwork this year has been notable. Starting the program with limited experience, she has, through consistent effort and a commitment to learning, acquired a range of practical skills. Her current skill set includes casting, raising, forging, hot and cold joining, and box construction.
Laura's willingness to experiment, from testing patinas to attempting life castings of flowers, demonstrates her increasing confidence and engagement with materials. Her progress is further supported by her theoretical development, with technical files informing her studio work. Laura's ability to view suboptimal results as opportunities for learning has contributed to growth in both her practical and analytical abilities. Her progress is evident.
Outstanding Excellence, Metalwork: Bass Hyman
Congratulations to Bass Hyman for being awarded Outstanding Excellence Metalwork. Bass has demonstrated consistent competence across all areas of the program, showing proficiency in a range of techniques and materials, including forging, casting, jewelry making, box construction, raising, and working with ferrous metals, copper alloys, and precious metals.
Bass's projects are planned with consideration for how components interact materially and aesthetically. Their approach to project scoping involves selecting challenges that promote development while remaining achievable within time constraints, indicating effective self-management. Bass integrates creative and practical skills effectively, and their ability to reflect on process and outcome is noteworthy. They articulate an understanding of their learning journey, identifying how to advance their abilities. This balance of creativity, technical skill, and critical reflection marks them as a strong student.
The Founders' Company extends its congratulations to both Laura and Bass. Their dedication and skill are recognised, and we anticipate their future contributions to metalwork.