Cherry Hill was born in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, in 1932. Her father was an agricultural machinery manufacturer who began mentoring her when she showed enthusiasm for metalworking. Hill is considered to be one of the greatest model engineers ever due to her success in competitions. During her 60-year career, Hill built nearly 20 detailed scale models of steam vehicles, including Victorian models, which each took her approximately 7,000 hours to make. The parts in the models are all made from her metal stock, and the engines are fully operational.