George Blair Brown was born in Solsgirth, Clackmannanshire, Scotland on November 23, 1878. Brown trained as an engraver in Stirling and Glasgow, Scotland and he became an expert in metal chasing and repousse. Brown moved to Killam, Alberta on April 15, 1910 intent on becoming a farmer. On a holiday to Edmonton, however, he was persuaded to return to his trade as an engraver.

Later he served with the Canadian Forces during the First World War and was with the 49th Edmonton Regiment from 1915 until 1919. After the war he returned to Edmonton and in 1923 he became a member of the Edmonton Art Club. Four years later, in 1927, he became Vice President of the club. He was also a member of the Canadian Society for Graphic Art and the Society of Canadian Painter-Etchers and Engravers.

In 1933, Brown commenced etching and devised a method of printing, not related to a mangle or plate printing press. Brown also worked out a new process, which he called “Fire Etching” in which he used dry-point repousse and heat treatment to secure a range of colours without the use of pigment. In later years he turned to wax painting, not having the strength to handle the new plates in engraving. His etchings have been exhibited all over the world including an exhibition at the World's Fair in New York.

He married Blanche Margaret Douglas (1905-1982) in Edmonton in 1944. George Brown died on November 30, 1965 in Edmonton, Alberta.