Born in Zululand, Natal, South Africa, Arderne and his siblings returned to England at an early age with their mother after abandonment by his father.  Educated at Rugby School (1896-1899), he entered Exeter College, Oxford in 1901. From there he went on to study art in Paris, and under Frank BRANGWYN, who possibly helped him establish his links with St Ives, though this was not until much later.

He also went on a 'Grand Tour', enhancing his art education and developing a love of travel. Between 1908 and 1912 he exhibited various eastern scenes, although he was based in Kensington. In WWI he served in France as a 'sharp shooter'. Although he painted in all media, he was particularly known for his etchings, watercolours and portraits. He married twice, firstly just after WWI, settling in Sandbanks in Dorset, and secondly in 1938 when he and his second wife, Valerie, settled in Salisbury.

His association with Cornwall was through joining STISA in 1936 and taking part in summer shows and touring shows (1936,1945) in St Ives.  Whether or not he established a studio or temporary home in St Ives is not known currently.  The greatest amount of detail, and a black & white print of Valerie Feeding the Geese can be found in Tovey (2003) p210.  The photograph was provided by a step-grand-daughter, Nicola Tilley, a member of STISA at  time of publication.