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Judy ’ s first media attention came in 2022 when she created a special piece of artwork to commemorate the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee . We ran a story about it in The Business Exchange ahead of the Platinum Jubilee Weekend celebrations . Judy sent a copy of her portrait to the Queen and included a note that said , I do hope Your Majesty approves .
None of us could have guessed the next chapter in this story . On the day that it was announced that the Queen had passed away , three months after the Platinum Jubilee , Judy received a thank you letter from the Queen . It read , I send you my grateful thanks for your kind message on the occasion of the Seventieth Anniversary of my Ascension to the Throne . Elizabeth R , 2022 . It was one of the last letters sent by the Queen .
Judy was encouraged by her
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sons to share a recording of her opening the letter on TikTok and the story went viral , gaining over 3 million views and receiving global interest . She was featured on BBC and ITV news as well as being invited on Australia ’ s Today Show . The media storm which transpired was a real shock and a whirlwind for Judy . As a result , she has now sold copies of her portrait of the Queen all over the world alongside other pieces in her collection .
On meeting Judy you will find a very down-to-earth local , who is still very much finding her feet in the commercial world as an artist . Judy ’ s business , Judee Tree Art , was only formally established in 2020 . During the pandemic Judy was made redundant from her job as a graphic designer and had to think on her feet about what she was going to do next to generate an income .
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Prior to being made redundant , Judy had become fairly well-known in the Swindon area for her work creating family trees . It all started with a family tree she created for her own family in 2013 .
Judy said , “ It was 2016 when Morgan was in year 1 , I was working on a family tree commission when his class at St Mary ’ s School were doing an enchanted woodland theme . As part of their learning , they went to Westonbirt Arboretum on a day trip . When Morgan returned , he was intent on describing to me each of the leaves he knew and the names of the trees . I incorporated this idea into my artwork and when it was complete , I showed Morgan ’ s teacher , Mrs Weaver . She immediately asked me to make her a family tree . I didn ’ t know her , but working with her on such a personal project was so enjoyable that it gave me the courage to start my Judee Tree Facebook page . I went on to produce so many family trees , I ’ ve lost count . Each one , completely unique , and Mrs Weaver has been my biggest champion .
“ This was all during a time I still had a secure job , working on the family trees was more of an opportunity for me to practice my skills and challenge my creativity . The trees became more elaborate and time consuming and , in the end , I decided it got too much , so I took my page offline . I had a twoyear break from commissions until 2020 , when Covid sent us all home and I had the time to create again .
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Then , in the July , I found out I was to be made redundant . Luckily , I had my artwork to fall back on . It was a forced decision , but I would not have done it otherwise .
“ The last few years have really tested me but the journey has been so fulfilling . It delights me that my work makes people happy . My commissions are always so personal and heartfelt . People choose me to create artwork of the things they cherish most . It could be a pet , a family member or a piece of artwork to mark a special occasion .”
Judy passed her creative talent on to her son Morgan and most recently , she and Morgan have received much coverage for their work as part of the Big Dog Art Trail for Julia ’ s House Children ’ s Hospice . Judy ’ s Swindog is called ‘ Love Grows ’ and has been on
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display outside Swindon Council Offices , before it is auctioned off to make vital funds for the charity – read more on page 68 .
Morgan ’ s Swindog is called ‘ Steam Pup ’ and has been on display at Swindon ’ s Town Gardens . At just 12 years old , Morgan is the youngest artist to take part in the art trail and it has been an amazing opportunity for him to hone and showcase his talents .
When I started work on this special 10th anniversary edition of The Business Exchange , one of the first things that sprung to mind was , what ’ s going on the cover ? I wanted this issue to have a wow factor and to be a real celebration of our work , the areas that we cover and the people behind the business that make it a success .
Judy had recently shared on Instagram images of her special
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