Nathaniel Davies was born in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, and studied at the Cardiff School of Art, where he was taught by Ceri Richards. In 1942 his studies were put on hold as he was called up for war service. After demobilisation, Davies completed his studies at Cardiff and, with a letter of recommendation from Ceri Richards, was awarded a teaching post at Newton Abbot Art School.
He married in 1958, bought a house with a studio, had four children and made paintings, sculptures, constructions and prints. His studio work and teaching kept him busy in Devon, though a number of artists visited Davies including Terry Frost, Patrick Heron and John Skeaping, who became a close friend and persuaded him to teach at The Royal College of Art. His works were exhibited in London and around the UK, including a solo exhibition after his death.
Davies is represented in the collections of the V&A; Ruth Borchard Collection; The National Museum of Wales.
