Penny Oatham - Talland Bay Hotel’s artist in residence

More than three decades ago, Penny Catham walked down a lane near her new home in Talland Bay and into a hotel, to ask if there may be a little part time job going. Fast forward to today and Penny has become as much a part of the Talland Bay Hotel story as the luxury Cornwall hotel itself.

Penny, tell us a little bit about your time at Talland Bay Hotel and how your role has changed through the years…

During my 35 years here, the hotel and I have had five owners. And under each ownership my job roles would change, as did the job itself. I can honestly say I’ve never had a dull moment; let me take you back to the beginning…

On 2 March 1990, I started working as a chambermaid. That was my very first role here at Talland Bay. After two seasons, I became pregnant with my daughter, but within six months I was back working the dining room in the evenings. Over time, this became two days covering the housekeeper and then more time back in the restaurant, just covering where and when I could. I became dining room manager and duty manager, before eventually settling into the housekeeper's role as the hours suited the needs of my young family at the time. I did begin to miss the interaction I had with the guests, a number of which had become and are still such very good friends.

Today, you are our artist in residence and the mastermind behind our playful style. How did that come to be?

Well, onto owner number five: the current owners, Kevin and Teresa O’Sullivan, to whom I shall always be grateful.

In 2016, Kevin and Teresa believed in me enough to offer me the job of decorating Room 27 (The Muir). We had spoken of my love of design, I think, but they were at that point completely unaware of my background in art and commercial design, and of my absolute passion for colour and the way it can make you feel. I think they just saw my passion for the hotel and its guests.

From the success of Room 27, I was asked to do another. And then another…

Talland Bay Hotel is a place where the imagination is encouraged to run wild. What sparks your own imagination for its interiors and where does your inspiration come from?

I should begin by saying that I learnt an awful lot through the previous owners’ mistakes when it came to room design, as well as through the practical eye of a housekeeper: how a room doesn’t work through movement, and above all, putting the guest’s needs before design.

When it comes to design, I take nothing seriously…SERIOUSLY!

The inspiration for the pattern that went on to form the playful and eclectic heart of the hotel’s brand originally came from the Art Deco sideboard in the hallway. If you look closely you will see there is a black and white stripe hiding in its design. That and our zebra print sofas sparked all kinds of inspiration: the two prints of the stripe and the zebra connecting together, the opportunity to bring vivid colour into the hotel, and making the vibrant colours scream out to be seen. I just wanted Talland to be seen and heard too.

I wanted, and still want, everyone to see what I can see - the magic that is Talland.

Why do you think Talland Bay Hotel is such a special place to guests?

It is such a special, beautiful place, with its tongue in cheek and a nod to the unexpected.

As you look out across the grounds to the sea, watch out for the nuclear submarine doing its measured mile tests (not something you see every day) or for the basking sharks in the bay - I tend to see them from Room 12 (The Soho). I experienced the total eclipse here, watching as hundreds of flash lights appeared on the coast path as it happened. It is all just pure magic.

What are some of your favourite things to do in Cornwall, when you aren’t making interior magic happen at Talland Bay Hotel?

My free time is spent walking my two springers on both Talland Bay beaches and along the footpaths. I also love swimming in the sea, but only during warmer times.

Talland is in my bones and Cornwall my home.

Show me the magic!