Stoke-on-Trent artist uses drawing to help support her stroke recovery
By Liana Snape 26th Apr 2026
A 59-year-old woman from Stoke-on-Trent is using her artwork to support her as she recovers from a recent stroke.
Longton-based Angel Cope – who creates artwork depicting Stoke-on-Trent buildings and landscapes – suffered a stroke in January this year and has since been drawing prolifically.
Since January, Angel has created over 150 pieces of work – meaning that she has produced more than one drawing every day on average.
She said: "My other half says that I am continually drawing.
"I would say I spend the majority of the day drawing, until it makes me fall asleep."
Angel, who has worked at Tesco for 23 years, explained that she has always created art, but has found that drawing it is a particularly helpful outlet for her during her recovery.
The series of artwork that she has created since January has been titled 'Stroke by Stroke'.

She said: "It calms me down and it makes me think of other things.
"At the moment I just don't want to go out and see people because I find it very difficult. So, my art helps me to communicate in other ways."
Having grown up in Stoke-on-Trent, much of Angel's art depicts the city. Many drawings also feature ducks as a nod to the local dialect.
"I was brought up in Bentilee and Abbey Hulton and my work brings out a lot of good memories of when I was young," Angel said.
"When I put some of my Stoke artwork on the internet, lots of people like to look at the different memories.
"I do tend to draw a lot of Stoke because it's a lovely place and there's a lot of good heritage."
Angel, who has sold many pieces of art over her lifetime, intends to continue producing artwork and hopes to one day be able to display her drawings in a public exhibition.
She said: "I'm recovering in my own way, and my art is helping me.
"But if it was ever displayed for everybody, that would be my biggest dream really."
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