Born in the city of Cherepovets in the Vologda region. In 1958-1965, he studied at the Palekh art school. Teachers - A. V. Borunov, S. P. Bakhirev, V. E. Ryabov. Since 1965 he worked at the Palekh art-production workshops.
Was engaged in monumental painting. Themes of works: folklore, genre scenes and modern. Participant of exhibitions since 1968. The Work Of V. N. Volkov is stored in the following museums: gmpi, Ivanovo OC, DEM.