"Norman Anthony Stevens was a 'Yorkshireman'. Raised amid the gritty disciplined austerity of a post-war northern mill town. A youth crippled with polio carrying a justifiable chip and a will to fight the world. He became a man of substantial strength, aggressively tough, a powerful character, possessed of an abrasively sharp and ready wit coupled with a wry sense of humour. Though he could be most disarmingly charming his deeply emotional and sensitive nature was invariably well controlled. Interwoven with the many facets of his personality was the 'northern work ethic', life was an art piece for Norman, be it building fireplaces, tending flowers, cooking or making prints, each and every task was completed to the best of his abilities. He had a desire to help others which made him an excellent organiser, valued art teacher, loving family man, confidant, associate and loyal friend. His contribution to the arts and artists was immeasurable. He will be sadly missed but joyously remembered.

I loved Norman as a friend from the age of twelve and find it difficult to envisage life without him."

David Oxtoby, The Guardian, 1988

(left to right) John Loker, Norman Stevens, David Oxtoby, David Hockney in the Common Room at Bradford Regional College of Art, 1956

Skiffle Group at Bradford - (left to right) David Oxtoby, John Loker, Norman Stevens and friends, 1956

Party at the Oxtobys' - Norman Stevens (middle), David Hockney (in suit), David Oxtoby (background, far right), 1959

Norman Stevens and David Oxtoby, 1960

Norman in the studio, 1971