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Ignatius Sancho

(1729-1780), Writer

Sitter in 3 portraits
Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship in the mid-Atlantic. He was given to three sisters in Greenwich but ran away and became butler to the Duke and Duchess of Montagu. Here he indulged his passion for reading and writing. He was welcomed by London's literary and artistic set, and was painted by Thomas Gainsborough. In 1773 he opened a grocery shop in Westminster with a legacy from the Duchess. He became the first African prose writer published in England. His Letters, released in 1782, were an immediate best seller.

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Ignatius Sancho, by Unknown artist, after Thomas Gainsborough - NPG 7063

Ignatius Sancho

by Unknown artist, after Thomas Gainsborough
gouache (body colour) or watercolour on ivory, circa 1802-1820
On display in Room 5 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 7063

Ignatius Sancho, by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by John Bowyer Nichols, after Thomas Gainsborough - NPG D23441

Ignatius Sancho

by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by John Bowyer Nichols, after Thomas Gainsborough
stipple engraving, published 2 July 1781 (1768)
On display in Room 12 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG D23441

Ignatius Sancho, by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by John Bowyer Nichols, after Thomas Gainsborough - NPG D3581

Ignatius Sancho

by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by John Bowyer Nichols, after Thomas Gainsborough
stipple engraving, published 1781 (1768)
NPG D3581

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Ellis Rogers

26 January 2019, 11:34

He also composed English-style country dances and music for them. His best, and best-known dance, popular today with early dance groups, is The Duchess of Devonshire's Reel.