Graham was born in Manchester[3] and trained as a mural painter at the Leicester College of Art.

After teaching at a number of local schools, Graham returned to lecture at the College of Art, firstly in graphic design and printing, then in education and latterly in bookbinding.

Graham illustrated more than 250 books and pamphlets and wrote extensively on art and artists.

[4][5] He was instrumental in the establishment of Leicester Polytechnic (now De Montfort University) and worked there as a lecturer and as a course administrator.

[6] He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours, "For services to the Arts".