Penny has collected stamps since childhood. Several years ago, she decided to use her “swaps” to produce images synonymous with Great Britain. She accepts commissions, specialising in making ‘personal’ items tailored to suit your needs.

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About Penny Meakin

I’m originally from the East End of London but I have lived in Staffordshire for over forty years. I adore Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands and worked at Leek College for over twenty-five years. I think Leek is in my blood.

I’m a passionate philatelist and have collected stamps since childhood. My English collection is amazing and I have thousands of swaps (duplicates). When the Olympics were held near my birthplace in East Ham, I became all patriotic and made a Union flag out of my swaps. Penny Stamp Artist was born. 

My Work

My work is contemporary and falls into two very different disciplines.

Penny Stamp Artist creates quirky original collage using postage stamps. It has a very ‘British’ feel featuring maps, flags and humorous images. It’s great fun and feeds my quirky imagination.

Penny Stitch Artist emerged as a direct result of completing a Foundation Degree in Creative Art and Design at Buxton and Leek College, after I retired.  Here, I create unique compositions depicting the beautiful landscape close to my home and the Staffordshire Moorlands. I use layers of metallic fabrics, corroded copper, text and maps that are sewn onto underlying images, emulsion-transferred from my own photographs. 

How to Buy My Work

You can buy my work in several ways. I sell in a variety of local galleries., including the Fox and Crow Gallery in Leek, the Guildhall Gallery in Stafford and the Rook House in Moddershall. I can also be found at local shows such as the Leek Show, Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designers Fair and Leek Open Studios.

I love engaging with my customers and the nature of my work is very personal. I complete commissions and delight in getting to know my customers. I have a website www.pennystampartist.com however, to purchase any of my products, you need to contact me via e mail pennystampartist@outlook.com . I also have a Facebook page Penny Stamp Artist and Penny Stitch Artist and an Instagram page PennyStampArtist.

Famous Artists Who Have Influenced Me

Whilst completing my Foundation Degree in Creative Art and Design Practice I discovered the landscapes of David Hockney. His work featuring the Yorkshire Wolds have been a total inspiration and were the catalyst for creating landscapes of my home environment in Moddershall.

It was Dionne Swift who provided me with the inspiration and confidence to create images using stitch. I attended a couple of her workshops in Stockport and learnt new techniques and ideas that transposed into Penny Stitch Artist.

Alysn Midgelow-Marsden introduced me to the world of stitching metal and the purchase of some stainless steel fabric from her transformed my work. There are so many amazing artists that continue to inspire and influence me including Debbie Lyddon, Amanda Hislop, Cas Holmes and Gustav Klimt.

My Workspace

I have a small studio / office at home where I create my work. It’s a wonderful space full of stamps, books, fabric, metal shims and a couple of sewing machines. I’m totally organised and there is a place for everything. It’s my little world.

Leek Open Studios and Art Trail

I have been a member of Leek Open Studios and Art Trail since it’s inception. The idea of showing customers how you work is really appealing and although my studio is not in Leek, I was able to use space at Buxton and Leek College to demonstrate my creations.  The Art Trail was also a great success and turned Leek into a living Art Gallery!

Local Art Networks

I’m involved in many local groups in the area. The hub of all things ‘Arty’ in Leek, is the Foxlowe Art Centre, where you can find exhibitions and artists’ workshops. It’s also where you can find the Fox and Crow Gallery and Cabbage Rose. I am hoping that my Stamp workshop there will eventually happen once the pandemic passes.

I’m very proud to be a part of the vibrant Leek Art Scene and promote it as often as I can. I volunteer with our local radio station; Moorlands Radio, and have a regular slot where, known as their ‘Art Guru’, I promote all upcoming exhibitions and events. It’s great fun.

I am also an Exhibition Co-ordinator for the Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designer Fair which takes place at the Foxlowe Art Centre in December, which is an amazing event, showcasing local talent.

Aside from that, I give talks at the local U3A and WI meetings. It’s a very busy existence but one that I thoroughly enjoy.