John Thomson began experimenting with microphotography in the late 1850s. From 1862 to 1872, he travelled to the Far East where he photographed the Malaysia peninsula, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Singapore and China, and set up studios in both Singapore and Hong Kong. In 1867 he published a book of mounted albumen prints of Cambodian antiquities. Thomson arrived in China in 1868 and met Felice Beato. Thomson returned to London permanently in 1872 and published a book on his ten years of travel in Malacca (Malaysia), Indochina and China. In 1874, Thomson published an ambitious 4-volume book on his travels in China entitled "Illustrations of China and its People". From 1876 to 1878, Thomson worked on "Street Life in London" producing photographs for a serial illustrating the life and occupations of London's poor. It was the first photoreport that attempted to bring about social change. In 1879, Thomson produced a book illustrated with photographs taken on a three month trip to Cyprus. In the 1880s Thomson became a portraitist in Mayfair, London and one year later became the official photographer of Queen Victoria. In 1910, he was the official photographer to King George V.
Was adopted by the Thomson family at 6 weeks old.
Although born in Salford, John grew up in Preston, Lancashire.
As well as an actor and comedian, he also plays the drums. In 2016, he appeared on "The Jonathan Ross Show" where he played in front of one of British rocks greatest ever drummers, former Genesis and Brand X star Phil Collins.
Confessed to having been unfaithful to his girlfriend of two years, Samantha Sharp, after sleeping with two fans whilst filming "Cold Feet" in Australia (February 25, 2002).
A recovering alcoholic, Thomson has been sober since 2007.
Was banned from driving for 3 years after being caught two-and-a-half-times over the drink-drive limit (August 28, 2002).
Became a father for the 1st time at age 33 when his fiance [now wife] Samantha Sharp gave birth to their daughter Olivia Jayne Thomson via Caesarean section on November 14, 2002.
Became a father for the 2nd time at age 41 when his wife Samantha Sharp gave birth to their daughter Sophia Melody Thomson via Caesarean section in March 2010.
