We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Hannah Peschar, in August 2021.
Hannah curated her first exhibition in the grounds of Black and White Cottage 38 years ago - showcasing newly emerging and established artists amongst the breathtaking surroundings that her husband Anthony Paul had carefully created and nurtured.
Celebrating the harmony between art and nature, Hannah’s exhibitions changed the face of the British sculpture scene - demonstrating that exciting new materials, striking contemporary sculptures and pieces of all scales could all be framed, supported, and enhanced by a lush and natural landscape. Exhibiting sculptors from across the UK, Europe, and beyond, Hannah’s incredible eye for detail, the unusual and the extraordinary attracted a global audience, and inspired generations of artists and art lovers the world over.
“I’ve always been interested in art - it rubs off on you, and then you find you can’t live without it.”
Hannah was not artistically trained - instead beginning her professional life as a political broadcaster in her native Holland. She grew up outside Amsterdam, exploring the countryside and falling in love with nature. She always had a keen eye for art, and in particular sculpture. She would often remark that she loved visiting art galleries and exhibitions, but would always “get ticked off for touching the artworks”
“We wanted art and nature to be connected in an abstract way. Our garden is a continuous journey of discovery and intrigue. The viewer can almost write their own story as they walk the garden’s paths.”