Born in Belfast, Turner first trained in the Belfast College of Art before winning a scholarship to the Slade School of Art in London.

In 1941 he returned to Ulster and taught at the Technical and High Schools in Coleraine, but also began to make a reputation as a portraitist.

In 1943 he took a studio in Queen Street, Belfast and formed a friendship with a number of his contemporaries, including George Campbell, Gerard Dillon, and Daniel O’Neill.

In 1948 Turner held his first solo show, an Exhibition of Portraits, in Belfast hosted by CEMA. He was a regular to the annual exhibitions of the Royal Ulster Academy and in 1975 was elected a full member.  

John Turner's work was included in 'George Campbell and the Belfast Boys' exhibition 2015.

Turner's work featured in 'Gerard Dillon: Art and Friendships' 2013.

The artist's work was also shown in 'Ulster Artists' exhibition 2010.