Barry John MBE is a Welsh soldier and artist. He served in the British armed forces for over 23 years. In the 2010 New Years Honours List Barry John was awarded the MBE. He is mainly an abstract artist. Through his work, he expresses stories, memories, demons, harsh and sometimes brutal truths, and the beauty, colours, and resilience of a conflicted world. ​ Barry John was born in Neyland, Pembrokeshire and was a pupil at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest before joining the Army at the age of 16. His first posting was to Hong Kong, and further postings to Korea, China, Malaysia, Jamaica, USA, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Kosovo followed. The experiences he has had during his service have formed most of the content of his art. Barry is also a founder of The VC Gallery in Haverfordwest. With his artistic background and his involvement in mental health work, he realised the need in the community for his expertise and experiences. Now the VC Gallery is working with veterans, older people, children, and anyone who feels they need time out to socialise and express themselves through art.