Claughton Pellew was born in Redruth, Cornwall; he studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, London alongside Paul Nash and Nash's brother John. He converted to Roman Catholicism and became a conscientious objector during World War I. Many of his works had a religious theme. His output was not large, but it was strikingly individual, often using a white line technique.

Out of the Wood: British Woodcuts and Wood Engravings 1890 - 1945, The British Council 1991