Tom Merrifield is a classically trained dancer, born in Australia. He came to live in England in the 1950s and spent several years dancing here, mainly in musicals. He began to draw fellow dancers during the interminable waits on set. It was apparent that he had great talent as an artist and exhibitions followed not only of his drawings but also of his sculptures. Tom Merrifield has received numerous prestigious commissions including that for the bust of Diana, Princess of Wales, commissioned by the British Red Cross shortly after her death . The work is displayed in the Red Cross Headquarters. Others of his works are in the Royal Festival Hall, London; the Festival Theatre, Chicester; the Victorian Arts' Centre, Melbourne and the Mendel Centre for Arts, Michigan. He now lives in Hampstead.