Our Story

Hannah’s journey began in 1991, sparked by a sell-out degree show at Bristol University. Drawing inspiration from the world of taxidermy, amongst the favourites in her collection were the little black crows she'd made. The overwhelming response turned a student project into a professional path.

Faced with a surge of orders for her show-stopping designs, Hannah secured a local studio and officially launched her business. In 1992, a pivotal grant allowed her to purchase her first kiln, fuelling a prolific era of sculptural creatures - from her beloved birds and playful fish to bold, wall-mounted moose heads!

In 1999, Hannah took a brief hiatus to focus on her growing family. Returning to her craft a few years later, she joined a local shared studio and began working part-time. This return sparked a pivotal shift in her creative process: she transitioned into slip-casting - with her subject matter remaining faithfully with her love of birds! Following years of experimentation, Hannah partnered with a Sri Lankan manufacturer in 2011 and proudly launched her debut tableware collections.

This side of the business really took off. Moving some of the production to Sri Lanka gave Hannah the freedom to focus on new creations rather than hand-making repeat orders. She expanded her collections to include egg cups, salt and pepper shakers and money boxes - perfectly blending her passion for sculpture with everyday functionality. Beautifully gift-boxed and ready for giving, these delightful pieces became an instant success, shaping the business into the beloved brand it is today.

Humour has always been at the heart of Hannah’s work, serving as a creative anchor through the storms of two recessions. Over the years, her pieces have found homes in galleries and gift shops worldwide, earning her a dedicated following of loyal collectors.

The Hannah Turner brand is run by a small but perfectly formed team: Hannah herself, Dave, her daughter Megan, Charlie, Deborah, Emily, and Betty, Hannah's beloved Jack Russell. Here, you can catch a glimpse of Megan hard at work hand-sponging details to Hannah’s iconic flying ducks!

Hannah's work continues to breathe life into clay, instilling character and personality into every creature that emerges from her kiln. Her designs have sold around the world to independent shops and department stores; with Anthropologie (US and UK), The Woodland Trust and Graham & Green to name just a few.

Today, the business is deeply committed to reducing waste and protecting our planet. Every piece is shipped in 100% plastic-free, recycled cardboard packaging. Driven by a desire to be as sustainable as possible, Hannah has partnered with two conservation projects, actively supporting the very animals that inspire her designs.