Born in 1936 in St Mawes, Cornwall, Dyson was entirely self-taught. His first solo show took place in 1972 at John Hansard Gallery, Southampton , and has been followed by many others in most of the well known Cornish Galleries. In 1987, Dyson was elected an Associate of the Newlyn Society of Artists and in 1991 became a full member. He was elected president at the formation of The Group of Twelve in 1996. Two publications to date include '35 Drawings by Julian Dyson', 1997. Dyson was also a talented sculptor, with exhibitions in Germany as well as in the UK. His work is permanently on show at Falmouth Art Gallery and examples can usually be seen in the Forte/Polizzi Hotel Tresanton in St. Mawes where Dyson lived and worked. He is represented in private collections in England, Germany, Holland & America.

Archeus Fine Art have extensive holdings of the work of this artist and are principal dealers.