Born in Bristol, the artist lost both his arms at the age of eight in a tram accident.  Despite this incredible disability he taught himself to draw and paint holding the brush in his mouth.  He attended art classes at the Merchant Venture's Technical college in Bristol and later won a scholarship to the National Art Training School.  At the Institution he won several prizes and subsequently visited Paris, returning to London where he worked in decoration and exhibited regularly with the R.B.A.
Bartram Hiles had a very successful career in spite of his disability and exhibited at many leading London and provincial galleries.  He was elected a member of the Royal West of England Academy and his work was purchased by Queen Victoria.