John Wilson was born in Manchester in 1941, and educated in Lancashire. In 1963 he joined the distinguished firm of Maggs Bros Ltd in London as assistant in the autograph department, soon becoming manager of that part of the company. He founded his own business in 1967 and was established in Oxfordshire from 1972 until 1996 when he and his American wife, Gina, moved to their present house in the beautiful regency spa town of Cheltenham, home of the world-famous literary and music festivals.
As an acknowledged expert in the field of autograph letters and historical documents John Wilson is widely consulted on matters of value and authenticity by colleagues in the trade and by government agencies. He is always happy to give such advice on any material which falls within his sphere of expertise. As a musician he gives occasional recitals on the harpsichord, piano and organ. In 2006 he performed four concertos (for two, three and four harpsichords) with I Cancellaria, and a Sonata for two harpsichords by Antonio Soler, as part of the Cotswold Early Music Festival. In 2008 he worked as an accompanist as well as directing his own baroque ensemble Brunerva (recorder, flute, viola da gamba and harpsichord). Engagements in 2010 include work on the organ as well as piano and harpsichord recitals. There is also a serious danger that he may to sing.