Ian Stephens was born in Great Linford and studied at Northampton receiving the N.D.D. in illustration and lettering in 1961 followed by a career in teaching and graphic design. He became a member of the S.W.E.
Society of Wood-Engravers in 1984, chairman 1992-1995 and Honorary Retired Fellow of the Royal Society of Painter Print-Makers. He has been a free lance illustrator since 1990.