Biography

Maggie studied art at Manchester University, Glasgow School of Art, and Middlesex University, from where she graduated in 1990 with a BA Hons in Printed Textiles & Fashion.  After this Maggie worked briefly as a textile designer with design companies, whilst at the same time exhibiting her paintings throughout the UK.

Maggie returned to University to complete a PGCE in Secondary Art Teaching with Special Needs Education.  Three years were spent teaching at St Michael's Catholic Grammar School in London and Filton High School in Bristol.  During this time Maggie continued to show work in galleries, cafes, and exhibition centres.  A move to Nottingham allowed Maggie time to reassess her career, after which she worked for while as an art trainer in the rehabilitation of drug and alcohol dependents.

As a practising artist and qualified art teacher Maggie was asked to get involved with JC2000, a government-sponsored initiative aimed at promoting the life and teaching of Jesus Christ in schools as part of the Millennium celebrations.  Following the countrywide success of JC2000, a new organisation was born named 'cre8.ed'.  Maggie has been part of the cre8.ed team since its inception - a team of freelance artists, musicians, actors, and dancers who visit primary and secondary schools teaching values, citizenship, and religious education through the media of the creative arts.

Maggie lived in Cheltenham with her family for 11 years but has recently moved to Liverpool and continues to create work for exhibitions. Maggie's other interests are Mental Health and Wellbeing, for over 2 years she has been a volunteer with 2gether NHS Foundation Trust Gloucestershire where up until recently she was Wotton Lawn Hospital's artist-in-residence. Maggie (Hitchman) Hilditch

A poem I wrote in September 2007, to go alongside the painting 'Approaching Storm' -

Approaching storm

Insight,
powerful and beautiful.
Destruction advances.

Storm approaches,
waves enlarge.
Darkness engulfs,
lights fade.

Hope vanishes.
Light diminished.

Lost.

Mind is fragile,
love has darkened,
soul desolate.

Still waters,
calm mind.

Hope returns.

mh 2007