George Burchett was born George Burchett-Davis on August 23, 1872, in the English seaside town of Brighton, East Sussex and became one of the most famous tattoo artist in the world.

Burchett was trained in tattoo artistry in London by the legendary English tattooists Tom Riley and Sutherland MacDonald . Burchett became the first star tattooist and a favourite among the wealthy upper class and European royalty. Among his customers was King Alfonso of Spain, King Frederick IX of Denmark, and the 'Sailor King' George V of the United Kingdom. Burchett's studio was located on Mile End Road in London.

He constantly designed new tattoos from his worldwide travel, incorporating African, Japanese and Southeast Asian motifs into his work. In the 1930's he developed cosmetic tattooing with such techniques as permanently darkening eyebrows.

He continued tattooing until he died suddenly on Good Friday in 1953 at the age of 81. His autobiography, Memoirs of a Tattooist, edited by Peter Leighton, was published in 1956 by Oldbourne Book Company and includes photographs illustrating some of his tattoo designs.