Michael Beach studied at Farnham School of Art, gaining an NDD for illustration and graphic design. He worked freelance for Oxford University Press, Andre Deutsch, Macmillans, Mary Glasgow and Baker, Disney UK, White Dwarf, with illustrations featured on BBC TV. He was head of a large art department in Surrey for over thirty years.

Michael instigated the national award winning A2 Video Workshop short film and video productions, with work shown on television and regularly at the National Film Theatre, London. Since retiring to Devon he has become an Academician of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts. He concentrates mainly on figurative subjects and constructs automatons from recycled hardwoods and metal. Michael has exhibited in a wide variety of venues in South West England.