Sargy Mann was born on 29 May 1937 in Hythe, Kent, England, UK. He was married to Frances Carey. He died on 5 April 2015 in Bungay, Suffolk, England, UK.
He started out working in a radiator factory, and spent his spare time playing in a jazz trio that included the comedian and musician Dudley Moore. He took an art course in London and exhibited his first painting in 1963. His friend, Kingsley Amis, introduced him to collectors and he became better known.