Norman Janes was born in Egham, Surrey; he studied at Regent Street Polytechnic, London and after World War I, at the Slade School of Fine Art, London. He was married to the artist, Barbara Greg, and together they produced engravings for pianola rolls. Most of his engravings were produced before World War II and featured landscapes and maritime subjects.

Out of the Wood: British Woodcuts and Wood Engravings 1890 - 1945, The British Council 1991