George Dance the Elder (1695 – 8 February 1768) was a British architect.[1] He was the
City of Londonsurveyor and architect from 1735 until his death.
Life
Originally a mason, George Dance was appointed Clerk of the city works to the
City of London. In 1734, shortly before taking up the post, he had won a major commission from the city, for the
Mansion House, the new residence for the
Lord Mayor. He was one of three architects—the others being
James Gibbs and
Giacomo Leoni—who had been invited to submit designs. His building has a grand portico, and an "Egyptian Hall", so called because it uses an arrangement of columns described as Egyptian by
Vitruvius.[2] It was completed in 1752.
Sir
John Summerson included Dance in a list of London architects who he felt debased Palladianism, calling his Mansion House "cramped and overdressed".[6]
George had five sons, three of whom enjoyed fame in their own right.
Eldest son
James Dance (1722–1744) became an actor and
playwright connected with
Drury Lane theatre, and took the name Love.
Fourth son William, "an ingenious modest man, is in a private situation. With a talent for musick, & much ingenuity He has attempted to get a living by miniature painting & by teaching as a School Master.
Lord Camden knows him &, being at a Concert given by his Brother Sir Nathaniel, conceived the reason to be his situation in life. His Lordship soon after had a Concert & invited Sir Nathaniel & William who made an excuse, which His Lordship saw through & put off the day of his Concert. William was obliged to attend to the 2nd invitation & gave Lord C. an opportunity of showing an attention that the Brother had not."[7]