Percy Hague Jowett was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England on 1 June 1882. He studied at Leeds School of Art from 1902 to 1904 and at the Royal College of Art in London, where he was awarded his diploma in 1907. In 1910-11 he travelled extensively in Italy. During World War One he served with the Royal Garrison Artillery, seeing action in Flanders and France.

From 1918 he taught at Beckenham School of Art, and by 1927 he was Head of the Chelsea Polytechnic. In 1927 he was appointed Principal of the Central School of Arts & Crafts in London and in 1935 became Principal of the Royal College of Art, a post held until 1947. He gave Henry Moore his first teaching job during his time at Chelsea Polytechnic.

Jowett exhibited at the Royal Academy in London from 1907 to 1926 and the New English Art Club in London from 1915 to 1955. He also exhibited at the Beaux Arts Gallery, Chenil Gallery, Fine Art Society, Lefevre Gallery, Leicester Galleries, New English Art Club, Redfern Gallery, and Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours in London; Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool; Manchester City Art Gallery; and at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

He was elected a member of the New English Art Club (NEA) in 1929 and Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours (RWS) in 1938. He was also elected a member of the Art Workers Guild in 1932 and in 1920 was a founder members of the 7 & 5 Society.

During World War Two Jowett served on the Committee of the War Artists' Advisory Committee.

Jewett's address was given as 21 Clarendon Gardens, Maida Vale, London in 1907 and 1908; 14 Gunter Grove, Chelsea, London in 1910 and 1912; 19 Oxford Road, Putney in 1914 and 1930; 44 Oakley Street, Chelsea, London in 1931 and 1939; Royal College of Art, Ambleside, Westmorland [to where the RCA was evacuated during World War Two] in 1942 and 1946; and 28 Drayton Gardens, London in 1946 and 1955.

He died in London on 4 March 1955.