John Nelson Battenberg

This is a message for Linn: We miss seeing you. We hope your life is good. Love, Val

Battenburg was a pretty wild guy. I know, because he cast some of his first Bronze at my Mother's Metal Foundry in San Jose, California in 1969. I was 12. But, I watched the Foundry folks do some extremely dangerous things. One night casting, they get a "Leaker". The "investment casting fixture" which holds the art piece failed and a hot stream of liquid Bronze spurted from the casting making a 3 foot arc of metal (about an 1 1/2" in diameter) Splattering onto the floor sending droplets...

We still miss this bright star!
All of our love to Lynn, Val and Greg Matonis

On this anniversary of John's passing- We miss the man and we will miss his art. Love to Lynn.

Dear Lynn:
I knew, with heavy heart, when I received your letter that it would say John had passed on. But I thank you both for your friendship. I met John in a very unorthodox way via his phone call to L.L.Bean and later I had the pleasure to meet him when he came to Maine and stayed as our guest for the night. Thank you for enclosing the photo of us two together. I'll treasure it. When I came to visit you in CA and AZ you were kind to me beyond words. I am still, and always will...

Lynn,
Honey, I'm so sorry.
Please call or email. Love, Val Matonis
[email protected]

Hi Lynn, just wanted to say at this sad time, if you ever wanted me to come visit in Ariz. Let me know. Your old friend Beverly. This is my email if you want to keep in touch. [email protected]

Hi Lyn. I just heard of John's passing. My heartfelt condolences. I am sad to not have had a chance to tell John of his tremendous influence on my life before he passed. I didn't even know he had been ill for a long time. I haven't talked to Alan for the past couple years since I quit showing w/ The Art Foundry Gallery in Sacto. I hope you are doing well. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Hugs, David [email protected] 408-8938133