Hannah Battershell

HANNAH BATTERSHELL

‘THE DRUNKEN LIBRARIAN AND OTHER LOST STORIES’

22 May - 25 July 2014

Private views Wednesday 21 May 6-8pm

And Sunday 25 May 2-4pm

Please note The Rectory Gallery is open First Thursdays of the month 1-9pm and by appointment at all other times

1. The Drunken Librarian, mixed media, 9 x 9 cm

Seeing Hannah Battershell’s work is like stepping into an alternative reality; surreal, fantastical, darkly humorous and often with an unnerving sense of loneliness.

All the works are miniature in scale, creating a feeling of peering into a fantasy world being played out inside the painted imagery, often collaged with papers and other items.

Nostalgic feelings are heightened further due to Battershell’s use of found objects, such as antique cigarette tins, matchboxes, Victorian mourning pins, and old buttons. She finds herself “inspired by the alluring ‘lostness’ of found objects.”

Growing up, Hannah Battershell spent some time in Malawi and the creatures she encountered during this experience may explain her interest for all things entomological. She recalls cases of pinned butterflies and taxidermy lining the walls of ‘Country Clubs’ and hotels. Her work, particularly those set within antique tins, echo these Victorian display cases of specimens.

2. The Melancholy Dictator, mixed media

Battershell works predominantly from her imagination, and draws inspiration from books she has read. Things such as half-remembered quotations, anecdotes, or an unfamiliar word will spark ideas which ultimately result in the work.

Battershell studied English Literature and this is evident in her imagery, with each piece structured around a strong sense of narrative. This illustrative quality to her work, combined with a sense of macabre and surrealism, has caused her work to have previously been compared to that of Edward Gorey or Leonora Carrington.

We first began exhibiting Hannah Battershell’s work at Curwen Gallery in group exhibitions in 2011. She has since had a solo exhibition at Curwen Gallery in 2013. Her work is particularly suited to the unique space of The Rectory Gallery, with its domestic feel and period features amongst the panelled walls add an interesting setting to her works. Exhibitions elsewhere include the 2013 and 2011 Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions. Her painting 'Crocodilian' appeared in 'Images 36', the 2012 Association of Illustrators' Best of New British Illustration publication. Hannah lives and works in London.

For more information please contact Natalie@curwengallery.com, call 0207 323 4700 or see www.therectorygallery.com