Good Health Wales

Barry John

Barry John MBE former Welsh soldier and now artist, served in the British armed forces for over 24 years. In the 2010 New Years Honours List Barry John was awarded the MBE for his services to the community and art. He has had over 12 solo art exhibitions and 10 group exhibitions including the John Creasey Museum in Salisbury and Exeter Castle. He is mainly an abstract artist.

John was born in Neyland, Pembrokeshire and was a pupil at Sir Thomas Picton School before joining the Army at the age of 16 with his first posting to Hong Kong, and further postings to Korea, Malaysia, Jamaica, USA, Northern Ireland and Kosovo. The experiences he has had during his service have formed most of the content of his art.

For a time, John worked as a recruiting officer in Haverfordwest, but later rejoined the Welsh Regiment.

In 2013, John organised a hugely successful art and community exhibition named the Neyland Armistice Project, a collaborative art project with Wales and France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

John left the British Army to found The VC Gallery in Haverfordwest which supports Veterans and the wider community using art and engagement.

Since inception he has won four community hero awards all based on his work using art for the benefit to veterans and the community.

• See Barry John's presentation to the Good Health Wales Symposium: VC Gallery.
• Further details about the work of the VC Gallery.