John was born in Tenby, Wales in 1878 and attended the Slade. In 1899 he first exhibited at the NEAC and in 1903 he had a joint exhibition with his sister Gwen at Carfax Gallery. Between 1901 and 1904 he was Professor of Painting at Liverpool and was elected RA in 1928 (resigning 1938, reelected 1940). John was a significant member of the London Group and was awarded the OM in 1942. He was famous for his behemian, womanising lifestyle and renowned as a brilliant draughtsman.