Born in Leamington Spa, Mary undertook her art education at Mid Warwickshire College of Art and Goldsmiths College, London. She taught art and crafts in London before moving to Cornwall in the early 1970s. Since 1998 she has been involved with the Rambert Dance Company during their visits to the Hall for Cornwall, working with them during rehearsal. In 2005 she was shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize.