Meet the Creative Team

Art Angels is delighted to welcome illustrator and ceramicist Polly Fern and Simon Lewin, co-founder of St Jude’s, to its creative team. Together they will play a key role in developing new product ranges, discovering and championing emerging artists, and strengthening relationships with many of the UK’s leading museums and galleries.

Head of Creative - Polly Fern

Polly joins Art Angels as Head of Creative. With over a decade of experience, she has built a multidisciplinary practice spanning ceramics, illustration, jewellery, interiors, and editorial commissions for books and magazines – all crafted from her 17th-century Cork Brick Studio in the Suffolk market town of Bungay.

"I’ve always been passionate about the possibilities of print and find great joy in working with paper and creating objects from it. I’m very excited to be part of the new creative team, collaborating with artists to envision and bring original ideas to life."

Creative Consultant - Simon Lewin

Joining as Creative Consultant, Simon brings more than 35 years of expertise in curation, design, and print production. Best known as co-founder of the renowned design studio and gallery St Jude’s, Simon has also collaborated with Art Angels for over two decades and continues to run the independent publishing imprint Random Spectacular.

"Having collaborated with Art Angels on projects over the past 20 years, I’m delighted to now join the business. I especially look forward to discovering contemporary painters and printmakers, as well as researching overlooked artists from the 20th century."

Both Polly and Simon will continue to pursue their individual creative practices while contributing their expertise to Art Angels

A Growing Team

The creative team has also expanded with the appointment of Emily May-Gordon as Studio Manager and Product Designer. After graduating from Norwich University of the Arts in 2019, Emily went on to work at the university as a design studio technician, supporting students across all courses. Her skills in illustration and animation add valuable depth to the team.

Maddie Powlesland first joined Art Angels in an administrative role after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Norwich University of the Arts and later completing work experience at Art Angels. As the team expands, her role is growing to support all aspects of our creative activity.

Art Angels Director, Alex Tuya, adds:

"Collaborating with Polly and Simon is such an honour. Beyond their industry reputation and exceptional knowledge, they are fantastic colleagues who have very quickly become an integral part of the team, helping us build on our ethos and aesthetic." Alex continues, "Emily’s technical ability and quick adaptation, alongside Maddie’s huge potential and rapid learning, have already made a significant impact on the team."

Looking Ahead

Following the change of ownership in 2024, Art Angels’ founder Chris Cordingly – who established the business with his partner Judy in 1993 – continues his involvement as a Non-Executive Director. Chris is proud to see the company evolve and confident in the wealth of experience, innovation, and fresh perspectives that the new creative team brings.