Gary studied Graphic Design in Norwich followed by an apprenticeship with the letter-carver and sculptor David Holgate.

Along with collaborative associations with architectural practises, Gary has worked for many years with the Lettering Arts Trust, completing two major commissions through them including the Bali Bombing Memorial in London in 2005, and Christ Church Cloister fountain in Oxford completed in 2010. Both projects involved the extensive design and re-landscaping of architecturally sensitive sites.

Gary has exhibited widely and was awarded the first Jerwood Contemporary Makers prize in 2008. That same year he won the prestigious Leverhulme Trust award for a 12 month residency at the University of Southampton’s Department of Archaeology. His work is in many major collections.

Commissioned work can be seen throughout the UK, notably on the Princess of Wales memorial at Althorp; at Glasgow’s High Court of Justiciary; the Imperial War Museum London; the New Scottish Parliament; Westminster Abbey; the Royal Academy and The V & A Museum. Gary has worked regularly as design consultant for the Royal Mint since 2015. Other notable commissions include the lettering and carving to the tomb of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral.

Also a keen sailor and boat builder, Gary taught letter-cutting in wood at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft until its recent closure in 2024. He is looking to teach again at a new venue in 2025.