Malcolm Appleby was born in West Wickham in 1946. He trained at Beckenham School of Art, Ravensbourne College of Art, Central School of Arts and Crafts, Sir John Cass School of Art and the Royal College of Art. He started his career as an engraver in 1968 developing new techniques for silver engraving and gold fusing onto steel.

Malcolm Appleby is now the foremost gun engraver in the United Kingdom, and his famous Raven Gun is housed in the Royal Armouries. His many commissions include the engraving of the orb on the Prince of Wales Coronet, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes Trophy for De Beers, the 500th anniversary silver cup for the London Assay Office and a major silver cmmn (cup and cover) for the Royal Museum of Scotland. Malcolm Appleby made the seal for the Victoria and Albert Museum and was commissioned to make the silver centrepiece for the New Scottish Parliament. He also has examples of his work in many collections throughout the world.

Malcolm Appleby was a member and past Chairman of the Crathes, Drumoak and Durris Community Council, and is Founder member and Chairman of the British Art Postage Stamp Society, a member of the British Art Medal Society and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Malcolm Appleby is a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths' Company and an honorary member of the Strathtay and Grandtully S.W.R.I.