Perrett was born in Scotland and moved to Dunedin, NZ in 1887. He opened the Otago Arts Academy in 1894, together with G. Nerli and L. Wilson. He also taught art in Auckland and became an important figure in the world of art in New Zealand.

His work is represented by many NZ Museums, Galleries and collections:
Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum. Te Papa, Hocken, McDougall, Rotorua Museum, Whanagarei Museum, Sarjeant, Turnbull.