John Barradell was born in Leicester and after attending the Leicester College of Art he worked initially for his father's sign asking business, then as a freelance textiles designer eventually becoming Design Director at Luton Knitting Company and John Thompstone Fabrics Ltd. He set up and managed Alpha, a large youth opportunities project, which operated in Hinckley. John completed a BA Hons in Economic and Social History and a post-graduate Certificate in Education at Leicester University, then taught Humanities in a local High School. He built a studio and print workshop to become a full time professional artist.
