George Cattermole was an illustrator of romance and a watercolorist. Born at Dickleburgh, Norfolk, England, he was the youngest brother of the Reverend Richard Cattermole. He first worked as an architectural draftsman, painting historical buildings. Britton's English Cathedrals, 1832-1836 contained much of his work. It was around this time that George's work gradually changed, emphasising on figures and depicting historical events rather than old structures. His style moved towards the swash-bucklers of the 17th century, his works depicted duels and sieges taking place in backgrounds that were enthralling and accurate showing a strong ability in the use of watercolors. 

Some of the works that George contributed to [Sir Walter Scott's Poetical and Prose Works of Sir W. Scott and Landscape Illustrations of the Works of Sir W. Scott, 1833] showed a wonderful sense of history and his portrayal of the costumes was precise although they were constructed in a fervent manner with impulsive pen lines. Some of the works from these publications were later re-drawn as watercolors.

As a result of Cattermole's talent and achievement he became enormously successful. He was a close friend of Dickens who refered to him as 'Kittenmoles'.  Dickens had George illustrate some of his work from Master Humphrey's Clock, 1841. Through his connection with Dickens and other distinguished gentlemen, George joined the Kensington Gore set and became a Member of the Garrick Club. 

Queen Victoria was one of Cattermole's frequent patrons, so much so that he was offered a knighthood - that he refused.

In 1822, Cattermole was elected an Associate of the Old Watercolor Society and after an interval, he was elected a full member in 1833. He died in 1868 in London.

Cattermole's work can be found in the following:

Barnaby Rudge and The Old Curiosity Shop in Dickens' Master Humphrey's Clock - 1841; Poetical and Prose Works of Sir W. Scott; Britton's English Cathedrals - 1832-1836; Roscoe's North Wales - 1836; Cattermole's Historical Annual: The Great Civil War - 1841-45; Cattermole's Portfolio - 1845 and Heath's Gallery - 1836-8.