Lincolnshire-born Fanny Ellen Keal moved to Brisbane with her family around 1884. The Keals lived in Upper Roma Street and Fanny likely attended the local school at Milton. She became a consummate needlewoman, having learnt from her mother (and possibly the nuns at a local convent). After marrying woodcarver, sculptor and potter LJ Harvey in 1898, Fanny continued to exhibit at the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association until her growing family demanded more of her time. In 1917, she acted as Honorary Secretary of the Arts and Crafts Society of Brisbane and maintained her interest in needlework and lacemaking until she was nearly 90. 

Acknowledged as a dedicated supporter of her husband, Fanny deserves recognition in her own right. In addition to smaller pieces such as these d'oyleys (or ‘doilies’), she undertook major projects including the lace bedspread made for LJ Harvey’s Bed of Peace 1919, which he carved for their daughter, Elsie. Fanny’s craft was displayed prominently in the family home Milo House in West End where the Harveys regularly hosted soirees for the local artistic community.