John McBurney was born in Belfast and attended the Government School of Design, where he specialised in designs for damask linen. He was awarded an exhibition to study art in South Kensington for two years, after which period he returned to Belfast. He was deeply involved with the Belfast Art Society, the Ulster Literary Theater, and was President of the Ulster Arts Club. He also designed embroidery.

Born:	1877
Died:	1917