A painter of both landscapes and portraits, Jack Merriot studied at Croydon School of Art and St Martins School of Art. He was also President of the Wapping Group of Artists from 1947 to 1960. In later life he moved from the Sussex to Polperro, Cornwall. Jack was a prolific illustrator and his published work included the Beautiful Britain series of books, the Pitman Guide to Watercolour and posters for British Rail and the Post Office.