Clifford Hanney was born in Publow, Pensford near Bristol. Studied at the University there and art at West Marlands School of Art, Southampton and Bristol Municipal School of Art under R E J Bush. Was art master at Kimbolton Grammar School in 1923; principal of Crewe School of Art in 1943-50. Was elected associate of RWA in 1923 and one of the founding members of the New Bristol Art Club in 1933. In 1951 elected to Bristol Savages. Showed at ROI, Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Manchester City Art Gallery and Oldham Art Gallery.