Oliver was born in Knaresborough in Yorkshire and studied at the Slade School of Art in London from 1894 to 1897.[1][2] Oliver won a Slade scholarship in 1896 with the other winner that year being Augustus John.[3] Oliver moved to France in 1910 and settled in Cassis near Marseille.[4] She was decorated for her service during World War One.[5]
Oliver mainly painted interiors but also figures and landscapes, mainly of France.[5] She had a solo exhibition in Paris at the Druet Gallery in 1924.[4] Oliver died on Corsica and a memorial exhibition, with a catalogue introduction written by Ethel Walker, for her was held at the Leger Galleries in London during June and July 1935.[4][5][3] The Tate acquired two paintings by Oliver, both showing views from her studio in Cassis, from the 1935 exhibition.[6][7]