Mary Kessell was born in London. Studied at the Clapham School of Art in 1935-37 and Central School of Arts and Crafts in 1937-39. In 1937 was commissioned to illustrate Osbert Sitwell's book 'Mrs Kimber', then shortly after this began painting. In 1945 travelled to Germany as an Official War Artist, visiting Belsen and Berlin, the resulting pictures were published in 'The Cornhill' magazinein 1946. Held her first solo show at Leicester Galleries in 1950 and a number of others followed there, then showing at New Grafton Gallery in 1969. Her work is represented in a number of public collections (seehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/artists/mary-kessell" class="link1">BBC Your Paintings).