Frink was born in Suffolk and educated at a convent school in Exmouth. She studied at Guildford School of Art (1947-49) before moving to the Chelsea School of Art for four years. A precocious student, at the age of just 22 Frink exhibited works at the Beaux Arts Gallery and her sculpture Bird was purchased by the Tate Gallery. Frink remained at Chelsea to teach as well as St.Martin’s School of Art until 1962.
Frink taught at the Royal College of Art and also embarked upon her printmaking career, primarily producing lithographs and etchings. As one of Britain’s leading sculptors, Frink received many public accolades including a C.B.E. (1969), being made a Royal Academician (1977), a Dame of the British Empire (1982) and a Companion of Honour (1992). Elisabeth Frink died in 1993.