Irene is a country girl with a bright and colourful personality, which is reflected in her paintings and humorous subject matter. The lightness of her paintings masks the hardship of her tough country upbringing in Herefordshire's Golden Valley. A mother of six, Irene has lived in the Cotswolds for over twenty years, working in many different jobs to support her family - but always painting when she could find a little bit of free time. The Yellow Hat Tribe had humble origins and Irene had no idea how the tribe would grow and grow until their surreal escapades became a major part of her life!

Irene says "it all began in the early 90's when I was idly doodling on the back of a brown envelope. A tiny tribe appeared, wandering its way down the length of the envelope, and shivers ran down my spine. I felt strangely excited but didn't know why. The little tribe stayed in my mind for some time without a name and without a home. I then met Vince Tyack, an entrepreneur who was at the forefront of the introduction of farmed ostriches into the UK. He often talked to me of his travels, especially of Africa and the desert. Together we decided the desert should be the little tribe's home and we gave them the name 'The Yellow Hat Tribe'. In recent years, visitors from many different countries have found their way to Brookfield Farm and my paintings have now travelled all over the world. I have had many successful exhibitions at Brookfield Farm and, in October 2000, I was thrilled to be invited to exhibit my work in St James's, London, by John Bly, the renowned antiques expert. In January 2004, I shared a highly successful exhibition with Beryl Cook at the McNeil Fine Art Gallery in Radlett, Hertfordshire. I have been amazed how the popularity of my Yellow Hat Tribe paintings has grown and the enthusiasm shown by the many visitors to our Gallery. I owe much of my success to the love and unfailing support of my partner Vince, and of my family, who all believed in me and encouraged me to devote myself to painting full-time. Nowadays, my imagination is constantly bubbling with new images of the tribe -I never know what is going to happen to them next! As they say - watch this space!"

The Yellow Hat Tribe can be found at the Gallery, Brookfield Ostrich Farm, where there is a permanent Exhibition of original work and limited edition lithographs. The Gallery is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The Gallery also hosts bi-annual Exhibitions of new original work in Spring and Autumn each year.