Crispin Thornton-Jones studied graphics design at the London School of Painting followed by fine art and printmaking at the Byam Shaw. After leavin college, he spent several years painting on the Island of Mull, in Scotland. Since that time he has lived and worked in the Black Mountains region of South Herefordshire painting both portraits and the landscape of the southern Marches, which provides him with the endless inspiration.

Crispin has undertaken many commissions one of which was to paint a portrait of Miss Pears in 1980. He has exhibited many times in London and was with Aberbach's Saville Row for five years. He has been a regular contributor to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the Royal Academy annual exhibitions.

As well as painting, Crispin has a great interest in the ancient buildings of the Marches and has, over the years, carefully restored six houses.