Cuming was born in London in 1930. He received his art education at Sidcup School of Art (1945–9) and, after National Service, at the Royal College of Art. He was awarded the Abbey Minor Travelling Scholarship to visit Italy. In 1964, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA), and a Royal Academician (RA) in 1974. He was also a member of the New English Art Club.

His awards include:
1977 Joint winner of Grand Prix Fine Art, Monte Carlo
1986 Sir Brinsley Ford Award, New English Club
1988 Grand Prix de l'Art Contemporaries
1994 House and Garden Award.

His work is in many collections including the Royal Academy, Ministry of Works, Maidstone Museum, Carlisle Museum, Worcester College, Oxford, London Tourist Board, National Trust Foundation for Art, Department of the Environment, Brighton and Hove Museum, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, Bradford Museum, New Metropole Arts Centre, Folkestone, Monte Carlo Museum, St John's College, Oxford, Lloyd's of London, London Weekend Television and the Guinness Collection.