Frank Archer was born in Walthamstow, London. He moved to Eastbourne where he attended Eastbourne School of Art from 1928-1932, followed by a time at Royal College of Art, London where he was awarded a scholarship to the British School in Rome. He became a member of the Royal Society of Painters-Etchers in 1940 and a fellow of the Royal Watercolour Society. He taught at various art schools, becoming Head of Fine Art at Kingston College of Art until his retirement in 1973. Archer’s work was much influenced by his love of music.