Breon O’Casey was a significant member of the St. Ives school whose leading figures included Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Bernard Leach. He began his working career as an assistant, initially to Denis Mitchell and later to Dame Barbara Hepworth in St. Ives, whilst establishing himself up as a painter, jeweller, weaver, and later, as a sculptor.

O’Casey’s work is characterised by simple forms and lines and a very personal set of imagery. Birds, animals and human figures are pared down to their very essence, giving them a primitive and mystical presence. O’Casey’s ability to apply himself so successfully to such a wide range of materials and making processes was an unusual talent and latterly he was afforded the luxury of having small separate studios for each discipline.