Stead gained a diploma in fine art from the
Scarborough School of Art and studied anatomy and histology at
King's College London. In 1933 she was appointed as artist and research assistant in the Department of Anatomy under
H.H. Woollard at
St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College. In addition to her work for the department, Stead provided illustrations of surgical procedures, pathological specimens, teaching exhibits and other medical artwork for various clinical units at
St Bartholomew's Hospital. According to Stead, most of the research and illustration work for this was carried out in the post-mortem room where tutorials were held for paratroop surgeons being taught how to access main arterial supplies between muscles without resort to drastic surgery. The chief aim of the Association was to set professional standards and act as a qualifying body for new entrants to the field. Stead served as the Association's Honorary Secretary. Following the death of her husband, Stead returned to full-time employment as Medical Artist at the
University of Manchester from 1958 until 1959. == Personal life ==