Rachel Haywood was born onto a remote farm high in the Bolton moors in Lancashire. After growing up near Liverpool, she went to York University to study Chemistry, and then to London to follow a scientific research career. She has turned out to be creative in a number of fields; painting and ceramics, writing and singing as well as science. She continues to develop each of these interests and enjoys and is passionate about everything she does.

In my own words...as a self-taught artist, I paint watercolours of beautiful surroundings, usually on holiday, but more recently in the Eden Valley in Cumbria, where I now spend part of the year. I exhibit in Cumbria and London. I have recently illustrated and written my first children’s books, following a suggestion by a friend when I posted pictures and comments about my Birman cats “George and Flora” on Facebook. The first book was inspired by George and Flora’s kittenhood in Middlesex; and the second when the 'family' partly relocated to Cumbria; driving up the M1 and discovering rural life and wildlife. The adventures of George and Flora are unashamedly anthropomorphic; the cats relate to the humans and communicate with other animals about their feelings and the problems they face.

Details, prices of books paintings and pottery, can be found on the Gallery pages of this site. I am happy to consider commissions. Though not all of the original works are for sale, Giclée prints and cards by Redcliffe Imaging of my paintings are available on request.