John Piper was an English painter, printmaker, and designer, known for his contributions to the modern British art scene. Born in Epsom, Surrey, Piper was educated at Epsom College and then at the Richmond School of Art before studying at the Royal College of Art in London. Piper was a versatile artist who worked in many mediums, including painting, printmaking, stained glass, and textiles. He is best known for his landscape paintings, which often incorporate architectural elements and show a deep appreciation for the British countryside. During World War II, Piper was appointed an official war artist and produced many works depicting bomb-damaged buildings and other scenes of destruction. After the war, he continued to work as a painter and designer, and was involved in the creation of the stained glass windows for Coventry Cathedral. Piper was also an influential art critic and writer, and his many books on art and architecture are still widely read today.