Stephen Lavis studied Illustration at Southampton College of Art. He created the artwork for the covers of the 'Chronicles of Narnia' novels by C S Lewis, and later wrote and illustrated a number of children's picture books including the 'Martha's Farm' series and 'Cock-a-Doodle-Doo' which were translated into over 15 different languages.

In the mid-2000s Lavis became a fine artist working in oils, and moved to west Cornwall, where he has a studio overlooking Mounts Bay. His work has been exhibited in London, Cornwall and Bath.