"I have been a collector of Hannah’s art since 2011.
The works are small and intense vignettes played out on a variety of old and discarded real-world objects. Hannah’s creative obsession lies within the quiet, mossy corners of existence and afterthought. Dark edged, gothic and macabre undertones are subtly illuminated with a sly veneer of humour - sometimes unsettling but always with a sense that the rest of her fable is yet to be told. These micro landscapes suggest strange and utterly lost metaphors, placing both future and past in a precarious balance - the smallest detail holding an unexplained key (and often the humour). The relationship with objects and creatures depicted is frequently inverted and plays cleverly with scale and purpose, so you’re left looking, and looking again…" Steve Day "Hannah Battershell is an artist whose work reflects her personality: intriguing, quirky, witty, precise; with a dark sense of humour, a vintage sensibility and a quiet brooding presence. You can't help but be drawn into her world and fall in love. I’ve never met Hannah, but if she’s not like that, I’ll eat my tin of Ogden’s Nutgone Flake!"
Deb Scott-Lovric "We first saw Hannah's work at the Other Art Fair in Bristol in 2015. We were immediately drawn to the work by its eerie quirkiness. It is all beautiful and wonderfully made but slightly odd, in a brilliant way; wickedly witty and a little dark and creepy but in a chirpy way, like your favourite scariest ghost story when you were a kid. It has a lightness of heart, doesn't take itself too seriously yet is wonderfully realised. I particularly like that it never seems to drift into twee, like some other artwork that plays with childhood themes easily can. We must have come back to Hannah's stall at least five times during the day, it was absolutely our favourite and we ended up buying a fish within a fish within a fish which regularly gets comments at home."
Graham & Julia, Bristol "I discovered Hannah’s work during the 2015 E17 Art Trail. Tiny masterpieces of exquisite detail and dark wit. I fell in love with “Phil Flea Fell Over” and immediately bought a print; her range of greeting cards is also now a ‘must go to’ for me."
Sue Grant, London E17 "It is a rare treat to find a contemporary artist and maker who is following their heart instead of the current trends. Hannah's work is unique, timeless and completely magical."
Lucy Roberts |
"Hannah is dedicated to creating thoughtful, small-scale artwork, which she constructs with great professionalism. From the initial idea to the finished piece – every detail has been carefully considered. The materials for the artworks have been sourced with the knowledge that time can fade even the most exquisite brushstrokes. Through using archival quality fine paper and pigments, Hannah allows her imaginative art to be seen by curious eyes in years to come."
Josefine Gustavsson "I am happy to recommend the work of Hannah Battershell - it is fresh, inventive and technically accomplished, with appeal to adults or children in its whimsical imagination. Anyone who loves to indulge in visual pleasures which are also witty and delightful will love her work, although there's a nice dark twist to some of her work too. Very collectable, and I would say, modern miniatures of the sort that you can keep in your pocket or box or wall at home to peek at anytime."
Sam Taylor "I always chuckle when I see your work and love my brooch which always gets people talking when I wear it."
Grania Hayes "Would love to say a few words regarding the 'Alice' buttons I commissioned for my partner.
They take pride of place in my Victorian cabinet and we look at them daily. They are a talking point for many a visitor and every time we look at them we see something different. We love your interpretation of the characters, the slightly manic White Rabbit, the fading Cheshire Cat and 'Our Alice' unlike any other. Thank you Hannah for making something we cherish so dearly." Karen "I have been following Hannah's work in the past year and a half. I can see her commitment and honesty as an artist which I admire. I am now a happy owner of a beautiful piece by her."
Afsoon "I've always been enchanted by Hannah's work, ever since since seeing tiny faces peering out of buttons! Her pieces are unique and beautifully made. I bought a tiny ship in a bottle brooch just before Christmas and have received no end of compliments. I love that there is a story in each piece. Imaginative and talented, Hannah is an artist you should support!"
Len Rowles |
"Hannah Battershell's imagination is powered by the miniature life that she creates in a microcosm. It is often a bit scary and mysterious. Small, so that the artefacts might go unnoticed to the less observant; just like the buttons on a coat that you wear every day but don’t notice. One day you see the buttons as if for the first time…
That’s what Hannah brings to life – buttons. Like a dream that has escaped from the mind and created its mise-en-scene on a button. A perfect little joke or personal terror, manifest in miniature; beautifully executed and haunting. Psychic space has not the limits that are imposed on the boundaries of actual space and there is no way to miniaturise the impact of these powerful small creations." Janet Pollak "I'm a huge fan of original artwork by Hannah Battershell. The quirky art has the texture of Edward Gorey, the unique style that reminds me of Tim Burton and it is evident a huge amount of effort goes into her craft."
Michael Brown, published poet "I loved the intricate design and magical narrative of Hannah's buttons, and commissioned her to tell any fairytale in five buttons. The version of goldilocks that she produced for me is quite simply wonderful. Hannah's talent and professionalism runs through the whole piece, from the story book miniature scenes to the framing and the small accompanying antique magnifying glass."
Thomas Hay "In an age where so many artists are caught up with trying to outdo each other in scale, it is lovely to meet a sculptor who has a real eye for detail. Hannah has a wonderful sense of humour, but the word quirky doesn't really do her full justice. In the piece I have bought, she has shown she is able to combine a miniature Victorian picture frame with a delicately painted red flamingo to create an artwork which is individual, uniquely hers, and an absolute delight. The other one is called Reversible Island, which can be hung either way up, showing the island as either rural or urban industrial.
Not many of us art collectors live in palatial mansions, and I really appreciate Hannah's attention to detail, her humour, and her ability to combine a love of the old with the inventiveness of the new." Brian Blandford "I recently purchased a button from the people range this was an anniversary present to my husband. We were both absolutely thrilled when it arrived not only was the button gorgeous and amazingly detailed it a lovely frame it arrived all gift wrapped up which was a lovely touch."
Natasha Mcloughlin |