I trained as a graphic designer before specialising in scenic design for television. I am a Licentiate member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen. As a young staff designer with the BBC, based at Television Centre White City, I worked on many programmes including Top of the Pops, Dr Who, Come Dancing (before it became Strictly), Last of the Summer Wine and The Old Grey Whistle Test.

My love affair with clay began whilst I was working in television, and has continued ever since.

The arts run deep in my family, as my great grandfather WS Penley was the original Charlie’s Aunt in the play of that name, written especially for him by playwright Brandon Thomas. My great uncle Aaron Penley was a founder member of the Royal Watercolour Society, and his paintings are held at the V&A.

After working at a major London gallery, I founded my own company to source innovative venue space in which to curate art events and exhibitions for corporate clients, including Audi and Hammerson. I have worked extensively with a number of charities, most notably the Jubilee Sailing Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. As Corporate Marketing and Events Manager for a City of London Wren church, I set up the innovative venue space and ran an Arts and Music programme, which included an international art exhibition featuring Damien Hirst.

Now based at Robertson Yard Studios, Brighton, my love of clay and fascination with this medium continues and now forms part of my ministry as a trained Spiritual Director within the Anglican Church.