Without Hands: The Art of Sarah Biffen

Sarah Biffin, Self-Portrait, earl 1820s, Philip Mould & Co., London.

Sarah Biffin (Beffin) was born into a farming family in Somerset in 1784, where her baptism records state that she was ‘born without arms and legs’. Teaching herself to write and draw from a young age, Biffin rose to fame as an artist and established a professional career as a portrait painter. Throughout her long and successful career, she travelled extensively, took commissions from royalty, and recorded her own likeness through exquisitely detailed self-portraits. Her artworks – many proudly signed ‘Without Hands’ – are a testament to her talent and accomplishment.

Her remarkable story has been largely overlooked by historians. Those who have attempted to illustrate her life have often perpetuated previously held misconceptions and Biffin’s artistic reputation has suffered as a result. Without Hands: The Art of Sarah Biffen, established upon ground-breaking primary research, is the first to present Biffin’s artistic achievements and represent her history.