Versatile artist, educated at Westminster School, who attended the Euston Road School and who showed in its exhibitions and at RA. Developing diabetes as a child and tuberculosis as a young man hindered his pursuing a full artistic career. Dawnay was a close friend of King George VI and other members of the royal family. He suggested to the Duke of Edinburgh that he take up painting shortly after his marriage in 1947, giving him his first paintbox and easel, long in use; he subsequently helped Princess Margaret design a tea service, made by Spode in 1956, later in regular use at Kensington Palace; and he also gave painting instruction to the Prince of Wales. The Queen asked Dawnay to paint a game book, which was not finished, and he produced a book of dog caricatures for Lord Lambton, the dogs dressed as famous artists.