After getting a degree in Illustration and Graphic Design, Penny became a freelance fashion illustrator in her native New Zealand before making the move to the UK. She then spent the next 20 years working as a freelance illustrator for clients such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Elizabeth Arden, recognised shops such as Boots and WH Smith, international hotel chains and newspapers. Locally, she has worked for many organisations such as Cambridge Council, Cambridge University Botanic Garden and for festivals such as Latitude.
Penny also teaches and facilitates art workshops in the community with Oblique Arts. This has included young people at Abbey Cambridge, and Roma children with Compas Charity in Peterborough, Cambridge Folk Festival, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge Museum & Tate Modern Exchange and the highly acclaimed Women of Strength Art Exhibition.
The community art project
Throughout the summer months, ten streets in and around Mill Road were asked what they thought and felt about the street where they lived and why they loved Mill Road. Words and stories, arts and crafts, memories and photos provided a colourful insight into life on Mill Road and inspiration for the ten lanterns that are now part of the Mill Road Lantern Trail.
Based in Catharine Street and with a love of colour, Penny was an obvious choice to create the artwork for the Mill Road Lanterns. Her fabulous illustrations, eye for detail and bright design really tells every story, bringing each street to life.
How the lanterns were made
