Background
The third son of architect George Dance the Elder, Dance (he added the "Holland" suffix later in life) studied art under Francis Hayman, and like many contemporaries also studied in Italy.
The third son of architect George Dance the Elder, Dance (he added the "Holland" suffix later in life) studied art under Francis Hayman, and like many contemporaries also studied in Italy.
There he met Angelica Kauffman, and painted several historic and classical paintings. On his return to England, he became a successful portrait painter. He was commissioned to paint King George III and his queen, plus Captain James Cook and actor David Garrick.
His group portrait The Pybus Family (1769) is in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
He served this seat until 1802 when he moved to Great Bedwyn, serving until 1806. In 1807 he returned to East Grinstead, serving until his death in 1811.
He was made a baronet in 1800, which became extinct upon his death. They lived at Little Wittenham Manor in Berkshire (now Oxfordshire).
1st United Kingdom Parliament. 2nd United Kingdom Parliament. 4th United Kingdom Parliament.
17th Parliament of Great Britain.
18th Parliament of Great Britain. Royal Academy of Arts]
In 1790, he gave up his artistic career and became Member of Parliament for East Grinstead in Sussex.