John O'Connor was born in London into a family distinguished for three generations in the world of theatre and music. He graduated from the Chelsea School of Art with a first class honours degree.

He has worked with R D Laing and in 1974 published In Nomine Domine which was exhibited in the Marlborough Gallery in London.

A period of portraiture, mural work and landscape painting follwed during which he lectured at the Hammersmith College of Art, Portsmouth College, Goldsmith College and Chelsea College of Art.

His work is presented in various private and public collections including the V & A in London and the private collection of the Prince of Wales.