Born in Winchester, Hants and of Scottish-Dutch parentage, Inez first trained for the ballet on the advice of actor relative Frank Vosper, but was painting from the age of seven. She taught at Benenden School, Kent during the war, and arrived in Cornwall in 1942, dividing her time between painting, travelling and teaching at the Penzance School of Art alongside her husband, Bouverie HOYTON, who was Principal.