Born in 1944, Mick Rooney, RA, studied at Sutton School of Art, 1959–62, Wimbledon School of Art, 1962–4, and Royal College of Art, 1964–7. After which he won a scholarship to the British School in Rome. He has taught at several art colleges in the UK and served as Artist in Residence for the Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne in 1983. He was elected Royal Academician in 1991 and in 2001 was elected to the Royal Society of Painters and Printmakers. His work, which has been described as narrative, illustrative and magical, is known for its vivid personages that delightfully resemble Commedia dell’arte troupes.