English born Beale arrived in Manganui, Northland from the United Kingdom in 1858. His family had settled in Auckland by 1860. He was educated at the Church of England Grammar School.

Most of his works were reconstructions of historical events as depicted here in HMS Galatea, Auckland Harbour, 13th May, 1869. A H & A W Reed published Beale's autobiography Seventy Years in and Around Auckland.

His work is included in Auckland Art Gallery and Alexander Turnbull Library collections. Only one work has previously been offered at auction. Titled Home Bay, Motutapu, it was sold by International Art Centre in October, 1992.