Nan Frankel began painting late in life, living in St Ives for 20 years up until her death. She produced a large and impressive body of work, which was characterised by a fresh, often joyous and vigorous approach. Her subjects ranged from nudes to landscapes and her oeuvre encompassed not only painting, but also monoprints and lithographs.

Her work was held mainly at The Gallery, a small St Ives gallery run by the late Paul Vibert.