Andrew Michael Graham-Dixon was born on 26 December 1960 in London, England. He is the son of barrister Anthony Philip Graham-Dixon QC (1929–2012) and (Margaret) Suzanne “Sue” (née Villar, 1931–2010), a publicist for music and opera companies.

Andrew was educated at Westminster School before winning a scholarship to Christ Church, Oxford University, where he studied English Language and Literature (1978–81), graduating with a Double First. He pursued postgraduate studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art from 1982. Graham-Dixon began work as a reviewer for the weekly Sunday Correspondent, before becoming the chief art critic of The Independent newspaper where he remained until 1998.

Since 1991, he has presented over 100 documentaries for the BBC such as the Art of America, as well as five series of Italy Unpacked, in which he explored the culture and cuisine of Italy with chef Giorgio Locatelli. He has written a number of books about art and artists, including a biography of Caravaggio, which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction.

Andrew is currently a member of the Blue Plaques panel, and has served on the Government Art Collection Committee, the Hayward Advisory Committee, and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. He has been married to Sabine Marie Pascale Tilly since 8 August 1985 and they have three children.