Born in Devon, England, Dorothea studied fine art at Dartington College of Art from 1963 to 1964. She then moved to London to study painting at the Slade school of Fine Art from 1964 to 1968. 

On completing her studies she established an editioning and platemaking workshop for intaglio called STUDIO PRINTS which has now completed its 40^th year.
As a visiting lecturer she established the etching department at the Holmes Rd. part of Camden Institute in London. She has also taught printmaking in various art Schools including The Royal College of Art, Cambridge School of Art, Brighton School of Art, Medway College and is currently teaching printmaking part-time at Morley College London.She is also an Honorary member of the Royal Society of Painter-etchers.