Born in Buenos Aires to a British father and an American mother, Eileen Agar moved to England as a child and later studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. She became a key figure in the British Surrealist circle during the 1930s, gaining international attention for her participation in the 1936 International Surrealist Exhibition in London.

Her practice was defined by a fascination with the natural world, often incorporating shells, stones, and marine life into her assemblages and paintings. She frequently experimented with collage and photography, blending abstract and figurative elements to explore themes of mythology and the subconscious.

Agar's legacy continues to be recognized within the context of mid-century avant-garde art. Her work remains a subject of study in institutional surveys that examine the intersection of fashion, art, and the Surrealist movement.