Versatile artist and teacher, born in Weymouth, Dorset, who worked and studied in Berlin, 1976–7, did a foundation course at Bournemouth College of Art & Design, 1977–8, then graduated with honours from Exeter College of Art, 1979–82. She had a studio in London, 1983–6, living and working in Italy, 1986–8, then returned to England, eventually settling in Exeter. Her varied career then included lecturing, running workshops, making animated films and working with the brain-injured and blind and deaf. In 2000–3 she gained her master’s degree from the University of Plymouth, where she also taught. In 2004, Mellings was artist-in-residence at Spacex Gallery, Exeter. Mellings won 3rd Prize, Brewhouse Open, 1989, 1st Prize, South West Open, 1990, and 1st Prize, Millfield Open, 1996.