Mary has been passionate about the Arts all her life, with a background as a scenic designer at the BBC, working for a major London gallery, and an extensive experience in marketing and charitable associations.

Mary has also worked in the theatre, and indeed, the theatre and the arts run deep in the family. Mary’s great grandfather WS Penley, was the original Charlie’s Aunt in the play of that name, written specifically for him by Brandon Thomas. Her great uncle Aaron Penley was court painter to King William IV and Queen Adelaide, and a founder member of the Watercolour Society.

With an ongoing love of clay, Mary also maintains a working pottery. Being a scenic designer and a maker of distinctive ceramics gives Mary a unique understanding of the requirements of the private and corporate marketplace for Art.

Other associated interests:

• Another area of Mary’s creativity is working professionally as a voice artist.
• She is also directly involved in motorsport and motorsport events; a sport she loves.
• Her various charitable activities include working as a volunteer in hospital radio and as a Red Cross first-aider.
• Tall ship sailing: As a breast cancer survivor and in celebration of life, Mary has sailed across the Atlantic with The Jubilee Sailing Trust, a charity she continues to support.

“Life has to be lived – it is not a rehearsal. If we don’t stretch out and take risks we will never discover our full potential! “