Background
Born about 1715, was the younger son of the Review John Dalton of Whitehaven in Cumberland. John Dalton, Doctor of Divinity, the poet, was his elder brother.
Born about 1715, was the younger son of the Review John Dalton of Whitehaven in Cumberland. John Dalton, Doctor of Divinity, the poet, was his elder brother.
He later became an art dealer. He trained as an artist, and went to Rome to pursue his studies. In 1749 Dalton travelled with Roger Kynaston and John Frederick to Naples, South Italy, and Sicily, where they joined a party consisting of James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, Francis Pierpoint Burton, and others
Dalton then accompanied Charlemont on his tour to Constantinople, Greece, and Egypt.
Dalton managed to obtain the position of librarian to George III when the future king was Prince of Wales, and, after the king"s accession, continued in his post through the favour of the Earl of Bute. He was subsequently appointed keeper of the pictures, and antiquarian to his majesty.
Dalton was sent abroad to purchase works of art for the king. Dalton was one of the original committee who in 1755 drew up the first project for the establishment of a Royal Academy of Fine Arts in England.
He purchased a large house in Pall Mall, to be used as a print warehouse.
But as this did not succeed he established there the first nucleus of an academy of arts, under the protection of the king, and induced the Saint Martin"s Lane Academy to transfer its students and equipment there. Dalton later disposed of the premises to James Christie, who set up as an auctioneer there. Dalton continued to use his influence with the king for the creation of a Royal Academy of Arts, and, when the Royal Academy was really started, he was elected its antiquarian.
Dalton died at his rooms in Saint James"s Palace on 7 February 1791.
He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1767. Dalton married, on 25 June 1764, Esther, daughter of Abraham Deheulle, a silkweaver of Spitalfields, but left no legitimate issue.
He was one of the original members of the Incorporated Society of Artists in 1765, and became their treasurer.