John Ryan was born in Edinburgh and spent his early childhood in the UK and Morocco before moving back to England, where he worked for seven years as Assistant Art Master of Harrow School. Captain Pugwash first set sail over 50 years ago as a strip cartoon. Since then he has featured in books, films and theatres all over the world. Before his death in 2009 aged 88, John lived in Rye, Sussex, the home of smugglers in years gone by, with his wife Priscilla, who is also an artist. He has three children and a regular crew of grandchildren.