email: Penny Holroyde

website: www.cathymaclennan.com

Cathy MacLennan was born in Zimbabwe and spent the first part of her childhood amongst the flora and fauna and amazing creatures of Africa. It was here, along with her native African friends, that she made paint from the rocks and earth and plants and painted her first big artwork on the outside wall of her parent’s white house.

She came to England aged eight and continued to paint on paper, fabric, furniture, ceramics and walls. She later studied fashion and textile design, then photography, at The Berkshire College of Art & Design, continuing to paint murals.

She first worked in textile design, then as a commercial and industrial photographer. After a break to start a family, she returned to murals full-time starting her own ‘hand-painted interiors’ business taking on both private and commercial commissions.

In 2007 she had her first children’s book published by Boxer Books, entitled Chicky Chicky Chook Chook, inspired by the African colours and art of her childhood. Further titles followed and her books have been nominated for several book awards.

Cathy has a studio in the garden from which she continues to write, illustrate, design and create.