Jill Jeffrey was born in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District, and spent much of her childhood outdoors observing and documenting her surroundings. Her interest in art was fuelled by inspirational teachers throughout her school years and she subsequently completed a Degree in Fine Art. A career in theatre followed, beginning as a designer and maker of stage props for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and then working for two years as a scenic artist. During this time Jill entered national theatre stage design competitions and won the Arts Council Design Award.
Over the years, Jill has exhibited at numerous galleries and events, and won a number of awards for her work:
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Theatre Design Award (National) - 1st Prize)
- Arts Council (Designers Award (National) - 1st Prize)
- Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) (Summer Exhibition - 1st Prize. RBSA elected Jill an Associate Member in 1996. Winner of the RBSA Everyman Award.)
- Fosseway Artists Prize
- Painting commission by Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Presented by Prince Charles to a company member)
- Jill has been an elected member of the Pastel Society since 1997. (Membership is highly selective and based on assessment of 'technical skill, originality, innovation and enthusiasm'. Jill has won several Pastel Society Awards/Prizes between 1997 and 2020).