Daphne Gradidge studied at Winchester School of Art 1972-73, followed by theatre design at Nottingham 1973-76 and post-graduate at the Slade 1979-81. She worked initially in theatre, then on the painting and restoration of murals in public and private buildings, with two years as artist-in-residence at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. Since the 1990s she has focused on her personal interests, in studio-based painting.