Born in Burma, Heath was educated in England. He attended Bryanston and Newlyn School of Art where he was taught by Stanhope Forbes, followed by the Slade School of Fine Art from 1939. He served in the Royal Air Force, spending much of his time as a prisoner in Germany. It was whilst in captivity he meet Terry Frost, whom he taught to paint. Following his return to England Heath resumed his studies at the Slade.
His first solo exhibition was held at the Museé Carcassone, France, 1948. From 1953 he showed at Redfern Gallery and other notable London galleries, in the provinces and abroad.
A committed teacher, he taught at the Bath Academy of Art, 1955 -1957 and University of Reading, 1980 - 1985. He was Chairman of Artists' International Association between 1955 -1964, and on the panel of the Arts Council from 1964 - 1967.
Heath's work is included in many important collections, including; the Tate Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Whitworth Gallery, Manchester and the Hirschhorn Museum, Washington.