Educated at Worcester Grammar School for Girls and Imperial College, London. Moved to Cornwall in 1996. Married to poet George MacBeth (died 1992) - two children by him - Lally and George, aged 21 and 19. Lived with sculptor Robert Bradford until 2010. Penny's practice includes painting , textiles and mosaics - all highly colourful and decorative. She paints portraits on commission and collaborates with fellow artist Linda STYLES on custom designed mosaic projects, incorporating hand glazed decorative tiles and recycled vintage china.

Lives above own studio/gallery space at 'Penny MacBeth Gallery' at 7 Broad Street, Penryn TR10 8JL. Has restored houses in Galway, Wadebridge and Ladock . Experience in the educational sphere as freelance practitioner with primary, secondary and tertiary colleges, community groups and festivals. Now runs regular exhibitions from gallery space, together with process based courses (textiles, ceramics, mosaics, painting)  and a Wednesday evening talks programme throughout the year.