Bob grew up in Yorkshire, and from 1954-58 he studied at the Brighton College of Art and Architecture, the latter of which subjects he took up from graduation.  First he worked as a junior in a private architectural practice, and then in his own practice. At the same time he was a lecturer at the Leeds School of Architecture and the Leeds Polytechnic.

Moving south again he lectured at Plymouth Polytechnic, before moving to the West Cornwall area where he taught at the Penzance School of Art.  In 1986 he established the Coldharbour Pottery at Towednack, where he produced raku ceramics.

Bob and his wife Pamela then moved away for a couple of years, before returning to West Cornwall to settle at Helston, where Bob has continued to exhibit at local galleries and in exhibitions.  Their son, Bob BERRY Jr. is the prominent art and landscape photographer.