Henry Cliffe was born in Scarborough,Yorkshire. Met William Scott whils serving in the World War II, in 1946 enrolled as a student at Bath Academy of Art. Was invited to join the staff and became an influential teacher. Held his first solo show at the Redfern Gallery in 1956 and three years later his first solo print show at the St George's Gallery. In 1960 his work was shown in the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. In 1977 and 1980 one man show of paintings and drawings at Festival Gallery, Bath. His work is represented in the British Council and other public art galleries.