John was born in 1950 in East Africa. In 1960, the 9-year-old boy was asked to contribute illustrations for his father’s then forthcoming book entitled “The Map Approach To World Exploration”. The drawings by the young artist are a testament to his talent, even at such a young age.
From 1961 to 1963, John lived in New Zealand. Upon the family’s return to England in late 1963, John attended the art classes of the Royal Academician Maurice Percival. Percival took a keen interest in John’s talent. John developed his skills as a draughtsman, as can be seen by an early work in biro on paper.
In the mid to late 1960s, John further developed his ability to paint in oil and tempera, but he also gained training and experience in sculpture, wood carving and restoration. Some of his dexterity in relation to three-dimensional works, Venetian Paperwork and wood carvings, were no doubt honed during this time.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 70s, he exhibited oil paintings in Sussex, London and across the Home Counties. He frequented the “Portobello scene” and worked on commission for numerous collectors and dealers alike. Between 1969 and 1972, he was a member of the “Chelsea Painters” and exhibited several times at Chelsea Town Hall. During this time, his subject-matters often included fantastical scenes reminiscent of fairy tales.
Shortly thereafter, John attended a private art academy in Schwabing (Munich) and continued to work as an artist and restorer. Throughout the early 1990s, John’s artistic output included a large number of drawings drawings, including many ink drawings.
Towards the late 1990s, he renewed his focus on paintings, including works in oil on canvas or panel, using his profound technical knowledge of Old Masterly processes and technique. In addition, John developed his own reinterpretation of Venetian Paperwork – transforming the old technique into a colourful, possibly tongue-in-cheek version of three-dimensional Pop Art.
