Born in County Wexford in 1902, Phoebe Donovan went onto study at the National College of Art and Design and later at the Dublin Academy School where she received her artistic training. After leaving the Dublin Academy School in 1932, Donovan quickly gained notice with numerous solo and group exhibitions mainly in Dublin and Ireland but also in group exhibitions with the Pastel Society in London. Her works can now be found in the Wexford County Council, the University of Limerick and the Irish Country Women’s Association.