Living in the Stoke-on-Trent area meant I was ideally placed to work with some of the world's leading pottery manufacturers including Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester, Sutherland China, Hudson and Middleton and The Wedgwood Group. In the late '70s the illustrative potential of my work was recognised by Bob Borzello of Camden Graphics Ltd, who commissioned a large number of illustrations for reproduction onto greeting cards. This relationship lasted for many years and I was given the freedom to explore new subjects and to produce illustrations which drew on my love of decoration and design.

These greeting cards led onto a commission from Blackie and Son Ltd. to illustrate four wordless books for children, featuring subjects drawn from nature. This was followed by two further books, A Book of Days, and An illustrated Address Book. In the '80s I became a mother to two boys and entered the world of children’s books.  Among the most popular of these was White is the Moon, translated into several languages, animated for television , and was voted one of the top ten picture books for children by Red Book Magazine in the USA. Another popular title was The Acorn’s Story, shortlisted for the Sir Peter Kent Conservation Prize.

I also published with William Collins, World International, Intervisual, Andrews and McMeel, Kingfisher, Happy Cat Books and Long Barn Books. My involvement with greetings card illustration continues to this day with clients including Amcal, The Medici Society, WWF, Aries Cards, Hallmark, The Robertson Collection, Marcel Schurman. Current publishers include Mistletoe House. Canns Down Press, and Museums and Galleries. I continue work in illustration and design but, more recently have focused on miniature painting, and  have been elected to the Royal Miniature Society and The Hilliard Society having participated in their annual exhibitions, winning several awards.

I enjoy painting on a small scale and have had a long fascination with Elizabethan miniaturists. I am also inspired by medieval manuscripts along with Persian and Indian miniature paintings. Nature has been my constant source of inspiration in particular the flora and fauna around my home in Cheshire. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my little dog, visiting art galleries and museums, gardening and last but not least bookbinding. I am a member of the Society of Bookbinders with a special interest in the hand-made book, artist books and small editions. I continue to work, now in my seventies, with the use of reading and magnifying glasses!  (Valerie Greeley, 2026)