Painter and teacher, born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, father of the artist Nancy Petley-Jones. Worked for a bank for three years, then turned to painting and teaching at his studio in Edmonton, where he became a member of the Art Club and Alberta Society of Artists. Moved to London in 1934, studied in Paris and had some success showing in both capitals. After a brief time in Italy left for London again because of outbreak of war and had first solo show at Matthiesen Gallery. After further travels settled in Richmond, Surrey. In 1955 was commissioned by Alberta government to paint portraits of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for Alberta Legislative Building. By 1958 Petley-Jones was producing abstract pictures, holding a show at Waddington Galleries.