John Henry Mole (1814–1886) was born in Alnwick, Northumberland. He later lived in London but the north of England persisted as a subject for his work. Mole initially worked as a solicitor's clerk in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before becoming a professional miniature painter in 1835. He received some miniature painting tuition from Carlisle artist Thomas Heathfield Carrick, and he exhibited miniatures at the Royal Academy.

In 1847 he abandoned miniatures to concentrate on landscapes, primarily depicting Northumbria, the Lake District and Scotland. He became known for his landscapes with figures situated in them, providing human interest or sentimental anecdote involving children.

Mole was elected an Associate of the New Society of Painters in Watercolour in 1847 and a Member the following year. In 1884 he was elected Vice President of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. In 1883 he was elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.