Sara Hannant’s photographs of objects, exuding magic and mystery, emerge from the darkness of Cornwall’s Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. The selected artifacts include wax dolls, wands, statues, daggers, pendants, robes and amulets, all used in the practice of witchcraft and magic. Some have been displayed at the museum for years others have long been hidden in its archives. In witchcraft, magic is practiced to bring about change and sometimes objects are made or charged with magical intent for this purpose. Similarly, the photographic process can transform objects, images, and ideas that contribute to its meaning. Sara became fascinated to explore how light and darkness define and articulate our relationship to enchantment and if this mechanism can be employed to suggest narrative and significance She found it was best to photograph at night, where it is said magic begins. Reflecting on this process, she found parallels with photographic practice. Superstition and magic have encircled photography from the beginning. In many cultures, the word for photography/photographer translates as ‘soul taker,' ‘shadow catcher,' or ‘face stealer'. The camera itself was perceived as a magical object, and photographs were thought to possess supernatural powers. The photographs are accompanied by informative texts written by Sara Hannant and museum director Simon Costin, which aim to locate the objects within the historical and contemporary practice of witchcraft. Of Shadows: One Hundred Objects from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic (2016) by Sara Hannant and Simon Costin, is published by Strange Attractor Press.
Sara Hannant is best known for her photography exploring magical belief and folklore. Her books include 'Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids: A Journey through the English Ritual Year' (2011) which is also a Horniman Museum touring exhibition, and 'Of Shadows: One Hundred Objects from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic' (2016). Sara’s work is widely exhibited including at The Royal Society of Arts, Christie’s and Towner Art Gallery and published on the BBC, The Guardian and in the Sunday Times among others. She is a graduate of UAL and lectures at City, University of London.
