Dr Rachel Haywood

Producer of illustrated childrens fiction, fine art and ceramics

I am by training a scientist but more recently I have become a writer and illustrator of books for children, which are published by TSL publications in London. I also produce ceramics in the Harrow Potters Studio in London, where I also organise and sing in concerts on behalf of selected charities. As an artist I am self-taught, painting 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 am a member of the Brough and Stainmore Art group, which exhibits yearly and I also exhibit my art in shows around the Eden Valley.

I was born in Bolton, spending my early years living on the moors which probably gave me my first love of animals and the countryside. I then grew up near Liverpool and went on to study Chemistry at York University, gaining a BSc and then PhD. I moved to London to pursue a career in scientific research, whilst continuing my artistic interests as well. As a singer I sing with Harrow Opera in London, after furthering my singing in courses at City Lit in Holborn. My writing resulted from a suggestion by a friend, who liked my illustrations and Facebook posts about my two Birman cats George and Flora.