Edward Dayes (London 1763-1804)

There are a number of watercolours by Dayes of the Isle of Wight, including a view of Freshwater Bay and a view of Undercliff, both in the Tate Gallery, London. The Isle of Wight was a popular destination for artists. Rowlandson made the first of several tours there, accompanied by his friend Henry Wigstead in the autumn of 1784 and just over a decade later, Turner visited the island, perhaps partly inspired by Dayes' work there, as there is a similar view by him of Freshwater Bay (Tate, London).

Dayes was one of the most accomplished topographical artists working at the end of the 18th Century and his work was highly sought after by collectors and by print publishers. He travelled extensively throughout the country recording landscape and architecture, and although his drawings and watercolours are essentially topographical, Dayes believed that these should not be mere imitations of a specific scene.