A carte-de-visite portrait of the British nonconformist preacher and lecturer George Dawson (1821-1876).

Born in London, he was educated at Marischal College, Aberdeen, and at the University of Glasgow. In 1843 he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist church at Rickmansworth, and in 1844 a similar charge at Mount Zion Baptist Chapel, Birmingham, where he attracted large congregations by his eloquence and his unconventional views. Desiring freedom from any definite creed, he left the Baptist Church in 1847 and became minister of the Church of the Saviour, a building erected for him by his supporters. Here he exercised a stimulating and varied ministry for nearly 30 years, gathering around him a congregation of all types, especially those that found the dogmas of the age distasteful. Although he had much sympathy with the Unitarian position, Dawson was not himself a Unitarian. Indeed, he had no fixed standpoint, and discussed truths and principles from various aspects, always advocating a high ethical standard in everyday life.

Photographed by H. J. Whitlock of 11, New Street, Birmingham.

The sitter has signed the back of the mount in a clear, bold hand.