Born in Sturgis, Michigan, USA, Hassel Smith's life story in both England and America is well rehearsed on the internet on sites referenced below.

He first came to Britain in 1962 with his wife and four sons, at the suggestion of the Gimpels of Gimpel Fils Galleries, London.  Their suggestion was Mousehole, Cornwall and the family stayed for one year, making many friends locally. They returned to the USA to various teaching posts and exhibitions, and in 1966 Paul FEILER invited Smith back to teach as a Senior Lecturer at the West of England College of Art. Remaining there until 1978, Smith spent a further period teaching as Principal Lecturer at the Bristol Polytechnic and Cardiff College of Art. His local connections remained strong through his friendships with Patrick HERON, Paul Feiler, Michael CANNEY and Peter LANYON amongst others who also taught art in the West country and lived part-time and long-term in West Cornwall.

Returning to work in the States, where he exhibited widely, Smith was to receive many honours and awards, and also taught at various art schools, Smith returned in later years to live in Britain.  He died in Sutton Veny Nursing Home nr Warminster, Wiltshire in 2007.