John Rutherford Armstrong was born in Hastings, Sussex, into a family with a clerical background. His early education took place at St. Paul's School in London. Initially pursuing law studies at St. John's College, Oxford, Armstrong shifted his focus to art and enrolled at St John's Wood Art School in 1913.

The outbreak of World War One interrupted Armstrong's studies, leading him to serve with distinction in the Royal Field Artillery in Salonika. After the war, he briefly returned to complete his art education at St John's Wood Art School. Despite facing economic challenges, Armstrong embarked on a career as a theatre designer in London while establishing himself as an artist.

Notably, Armstrong received commissions to adorn prestigious spaces such as the home of art collector Samuel Courtauld and 1 Kensington Palace Gardens. His talent as a designer flourished, leading to collaborations on ballet productions, films, and poster designs for Shell and the General Post Office.

In 1928, Armstrong held his first solo exhibition at the Leicester Galleries in London. His artistic journey continued to evolve, marked by his involvement with Unit One in 1933 and the creation of striking surrealist works set in English landscapes, such as "Dreaming Head" and "Pro Patria."

During World War Two, Armstrong served as an official war artist, documenting bomb damage and destruction. Despite some criticism, his works were included in prestigious exhibitions, including the WAAC Britain at War exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

After the war, Armstrong's style shifted towards the use of symbols in his paintings, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time. He created large symbolic works like "The Storm" for the Festival of Britain and "Victory," which imagined the aftermath of a nuclear attack.

Throughout his career, Armstrong's art remained dynamic and thought-provoking, often challenging societal norms and expectations. Despite battling Parkinson's disease, he continued to paint and travel until his death in London in 1973. A memorial exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1975 celebrated his enduring legacy as an influential artist.

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