Hannah was commissioned to make a bronze sculpture of Captain Wilfred 'Billie' Nevill for Dover College to commemorate the 177 boys from Dover College who died during WW1.
Former pupil Wilfred Nevill was an officer attached to the East Surrey Regiment. He became famous as the officer who kicked a football into No Man's Land at the start of the Battle of the Somme. His Battalion achieved its objective but sadly Billie was shot and killed in front of the German barbed wire.
- BBC special feature on the sculpture of Captain Wilfred 'Billie' Nevill - Watch on YouTube
Dover College commissioned Hannah to design a statue of Wilfred ‘Billie’ Nevill, mastermind of the Football Charge at the Battle of the Somme and one of the 177 Old Dovorians who died in The Great War. Billie was designed to represent the bravery and sacrifice of the Dover College former pupils and how, 100 years ago, he carried the College’s ethos of ‘thinking differently,’ by bringing footballs to the War.
Hannah’s understanding of the importance of this statue was unmatched. Her patience and passion made her a delight to work with. She maintained enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the project, with a consistent understanding of the importance of Billie Nevill and his significance to the College.
At Dover College we are delighted with the sculpture Hannah has created. Her artistic skill and attention to detail are remarkable and ‘Billie’ now stands proudly in the centre of the College campus dressed in his uniform, with the football at his feet, looking out across The Close contemplating what lies ahead. Thank you, Hannah, for creating such a wonderful sculpture.
