Penelope Fleming (1933–2016) was a British artist and writer who spent the last three decades of her life in the small village of San Pablo de Buceite in Cádiz province, Spain. Born into a distinguished family, she was the daughter of crime author Joan Margaret Fleming and eye surgeon Norman Bell Beatie Fleming and grandaughter of Alexander Fleming, inventor of penicillin. Penelope was also the sister of David Fleming, a key figure in the UK Green Party, and carried a deep familial legacy that she later reflected in her artwork.
Throughout her artistic career, Fleming was known for her exceptional skill and unique style, painting primarily landscapes with oils, pencil, and other mediums. Despite facing health challenges that affected her ability to paint in her later years, Fleming had an illustrious career spanning several decades, during which she held exhibitions in numerous international locations such as London, Istanbul, Gibraltar, and Morocco. She had a dedicated following of art collectors across the world, including notable clients from the UK, Gibraltar, France, Morocco, and Germany. Her love of travel inspired much of her work, and she was particularly fond of visiting countries like Iraq and Turkey, where she also showcased her art.
Her works and exhibitions were highly regarded, and her paintings were sought after by collectors globally. Her legacy lives on through her extensive collection of works, now managed by her Moroccan carer and confidant, Jamal Benblal Zayout. Despite her death in 2016, Fleming’s art continues to be celebrated by those who admired her talents. Her works are preserved in private collections, and she remains a respected figure within the international art community.
