The extended Papworth family were largely stuccoists and architects. Edgar George studied at the Royal Academy Schools from 1826-1834 and was a pupil of Edward Hodges Bailey, whose daughter he married. From 1834-1837 Papworth travelled and worked in Italy, returning to London to establish his own studio. Although his portrait busts and genre sculptures were well regarded, he received few important public commissions and was frequently in debt and occasionally bankrupt. His son, Edgar George jr. (1832-1927), also became a sculptor and their work is often confused.