John was born in Boldon Colliery. He grew up in the Tyne Dock area of South Shields and was educated at Stanhope Road and the Art School on Mowbray Road.

He started in the graphic design industry when he was aged fourteen, at David Allen in Newcastle. He then went on to work as a graphic artist in a number of Newcastle studios for over forty years.

South Shields libraries have been a great supporter of his work over the past fifteen years with their annual exhibitions and Christmas card sales.

Comments and questions are always welcome.