Born and matriculated in Pretoria, Margaret Gradwell attended the University of Pretoria and obtained the BAFA degree and later the HED diploma. She is currently involved with Art training programs at the University.

Since 1977 she has participated in prestigious group exhibitions worldwide, and has presented successful solo exhibitions.

She serves on numerous noted art committees and steering committees in South Africa.

Gradwell’s work appears  in private, corporate, public and diplomatic collections, amongst others: Mayor’s Office of the City of Tshwane, University of Pretoria, Pretoria Art Museum, Pietersburg Art Gallery, HSRC, Lifegro, Saambou, Klerksdorp Municipality, Department of Education and Training, Pretoria, Technikon, Pretoria, UNISA School for Business Leadership, SASOL, Telkom, ABSA Towers (commissioned work), and National Museum for Women in the Arts, Washington DC, USA.

Her work depicts dynamic dualistic landscapes and open still life. She also enjoys to present work in 3D format vibrantly combining the symbolic elements of Africa with that of integrated landscapes and still life, as an apt metaphor of the South African cultural landscape she believes in.