Edwards was born in London and was a pupil of William Behnes before going into partnership with the sculptor William Scoules, shortly before the latter’s death in 1854. Edwards was subsequently charged with conspiring to prevent Scoules from making a new will, having previously made one in favour of Edwards. The costs of this case may have been part of the reason for Edwards’ first bankruptcy and imprisonment for debt. On his release he travelled to Rome and studied, briefly, under John Gibson. Edwards’ work was clearly well-regarded, and he obtained several important commissions, but his financial situation was always precarious, and he was bankrupt at least three times. Despite this, he was the Honorary Secretary of the Society of Sculptors and was also an active member of the Freemasons.