Mary trained in embroidery and design at Loughborough College of Art and Design and in adult teaching at Nottingham University. She subsequently specialised in silk painting with embroidery, and has taught in local education authority classes, in residential colleges and, since 1985, in her own studio in Chipping Campden.

As well as having work featured on BBC television and being been filmed on Granada Sky satellite TV, The Discovery Channel, and Ideal World TV, Mary was appointed guest professor for silk painting projects for the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Research Institute whilst living in China (1988 to 1990) and more recently wrote the syllabus for the City and Guilds Creative Skills Certificate for Silk Painting.

Mary works almost exclusively on silk, from delicate see-through chiffons to heavy, sensual satins and velvets. Using professional steam-fix dyes, the silk is transformed with bold colours or subtle pastel shades, in solid blocks or with intricate blending. Once painted, it can be embellished with embroidery or beadwork according to its intended final use.

From silk decorated in this way Mary makes pictures, wall hangings, cushion covers, small gift items, and clothing including scarves, lingerie, kimonos, gilets and jackets padded with pure silk wadding.