Patricia Martinelli

Martinelli was raised in Kettering, Northamptonshire. She studied art at the University of Sussex before moving to the Goldsmith's College to study the Laban Dance Method. This was followed by study in mime and drama at the Academy of Live and Recorded Art in London.

In 1992 Martinelli met the abstract artist Jeremy Henderson, whom she married in 1995 at a ceremony in Lisbellaw, near Enniskillen in Northern Ireland. In 1997 Martinelli gave birth to her daughter, Bella-Lucia. Martinelli remained married to Jeremy Henderson until the artist's death in 2009. Martinelli now lives and paints from her home in Boho, County Fermanagh, shared with her daughter.

Since her graduation Martinelli has worked in TV, Theatre and Radio (including the radio play 'My House in Umbria'. Her earliest known role was as a puppeteer in the 1986 film Little Shop of Horrors. In the late 1980's she appeared as the character Magdalena in the BBC1 comedy Bread. According to the British Film Institute, Martinelli was cast in the role of Marie for the television series One Foot in the Grave, appearing in the most iconic episode 'Love & Death'. In 1992 Martinelli starred in a short film comedy Road Trip, directed by Nick Willing. Martinelli also played roles in the TV series The Manageress, The Bill (Maria) and Grange Hill (Marti). In 1992 Martinelli wrote, directed and performed a live solo comedy sketch at Circus Space. Martinelli has performed live in Covent Garden, Edinburgh (Fringe, Three Men in a Boat - Voted best comedy), Holland, France and Italy.

Since relocating from England to Ireland in the mid 1990's Martinelli has concentrated on her talents as a painter and has exhibited at several events including Castle Coole, the Southwark Gallery and the Higher Bridges Gallery as well as the Partners Exhibition at the Enniskillen Arts Festival with the work of her partner, Jeremy Henderson. Though her first passion, much of her art work was postponed whilst caring for her husband who had suffered with a terminal brain tumour for several years.

Martinelli supports the Irish charity Concern Worldwide and has donated original Jeremy Henderson paintings from her personal collection. Her painting, which has followed her through her career has an artistic style ahowing overtones of 17th & 18th century Spanish still life whilst reflecting experiences from the theatrical world. Martinelli's work is held in several collections, including 'Cappello', at Fermanagh County Museum and 'Riccatonii' at Castle Coole, Ireland. Martinelli primarily undertakes private commissions.