Hard Craft – Thomas James

Thomas joins us in September 2025 to teach Hard Craft to our Upper and Middle School students.

Thomas is a studio and exhibiting artist and designer, whose work has been shown at the Venice Biennale. He holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Oxford Brookes University and an MA in Design and Technology from the Royal College of Art, London.

With a foundation in sculpture and a deep respect for material-led processes, Thomas has worked extensively across a range of crafts. His practice includes stonework (marble and limestone masonry), bronze and metal working (bronze and iron casting, iron and steel fabrication, aluminium working), and woodwork (framing and carving).

Alongside his artistic practice, Thomas has always been deeply committed to education. He is a dedicated and creative teacher, known for his strong communication skills and supportive, trust-based relationships with students. Thomas brings original ideas and imaginative projects into his teaching encouraging students to express themselves and explore their creativity in new ways.

He has taught in Waldorf and Reggio Emilia-inspired schools as well as ESL settings, and during his time at the Royal College of Art he led outreach projects with young people, including workshops for families affected by the Grenfell tragedy. These experiences deepened his passion for creative, holistic, and child-centred learning.

Throughout his career, a consistent thread has been his belief in the value of hands-on, experiential education. He is particularly inspired by Steiner Waldorf education and the Certificate of Steiner Education (NZCSE) , which foster creativity, autonomy, and process-led learning free from the constraints of standardised testing.

Thomas looks forward to bringing his wide-ranging experience as a craftsperson, educator, and studio founder to Cardiff Steiner School, enriching the vibrant and collaborative life of our Upper School.