Godfrey studied first painting then ceramics at Camberwell Art School, London from 1957, where his teachers include Hans Coper, Lucie Rie and Ian Auld. He established his own workshop in 1962, and enjoyed great success in the 1970s for his work.
Having spent five years in Denmark, Godfrey returned to London in 1980, though preferred not to have his work exhibited in a formal gallery environment. Godfrey employed his own techniques, carving his works with a pen-knife or biro, and developed an individualistic and highly imaginative style that frequently incorporated carved miniature animals and houses.