Hannah Shergold

Hannah Shergold is the exciting young sculptress from Oxfordshire, England, who caused a sensation with her debut exhibition at Burghley Horse Trials in September. She has since then been invited to exhibit twice in Dubai where the accuracy of her Arabian horse sculptures impressed the top names in the Arabian horse world, including judges of the Arabian Horse Championships. Here she displayed sculptures which appeared to represent several years of work, but all of which had been created since her graduation from Cambridge University in June 2006.

But it is not art that Hannah holds a degree in. In fact, she graduated with a BA in Zoology as part of her formal training in veterinary medicine. Whilst Hannah’s artistic talent has been evident from a young age, her achievements in the sciences at Bloxham School allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a vet, but after three years of university she made the decision not to continue with the second, clinical degree and to pursue a career in sculpture. The intensive anatomy courses, as well as the time spent around horses at various establishments during her work experience undoubtedly contribute to the uncanny qualities of movement and life which she manages to express in her work.

Hannah has produced a portfolio that shows her versatility and ability to capture the essence of an animal. Her massive, three-quarter life-size sculpture of Major, a working draught horse from Hook Norton Brewery, is a hugely impressive piece. Sculpted in his full regalia Major looks every inch the dignified and powerful beast that Hannah first photographed, complemented by his noble and docile expression.

Hannah's sculptures are cast exclusively at the Lockbund Foundry in Oxfordshire and she is often asked why she does not send them abroad to be cast, since it can be far cheaper. She strongly believes that the quality of the sculptures produced in many British foundries is superior, and particularly those at the Lockbund foundry.

Hannah cannot justify investing so much time modelling an accurate and anatomically correct piece of art, only to cut corners at such a vital stage. The difference in quality is evident both in the weight, durability and fine detail of the sculpture. If you have any reservations about whether or not it is worth the extra money, Hannah or a member of the Lockbund foundry would be happy to give you a guided tour of the foundry and explain all elements of the casting process.

Accompanied visitors are welcome and visitors are encouraged to make an appointment. If you would like to visit the foundry with Hannah, particularly if you would like to see your sculpture at certain stages of the casting process, please do not hesitate to get in touch and she will ensure that you see the most vital and interesting elements.