Metalworker and sculptor, born in Birmingham, where his father, grandfathers and various ancestors had been involved in a broad range of metalworking. Jon frequented factory premises and jewellers’ workshops as a child. He graduated with honours in three-dimensional design at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, 1979–82, received a Crafts Council setting-up grant in 1982 and began working speculatively for various outlets. After in 1985 moving to Brighton, Sussex, he formed links with London galleries, notably Ron Arad’s One Off. His work was featured in major Crafts Council tours, including The New Spirit, 1987, and An Industry of One, 2001, and he also exhibited on the continent, in America and Japan. Mills participated in many schools workshops.