Dayes was one of the leading and most prolific topographical artists of his day. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1768 until his death in 1804. He also exhibited at the Society of Arts and was appointed Designer to the Duke of York. His work influenced many artists but he had perhaps the greatest influence on both Turner and Girtin, some of whose drawings produced in the early 1790s are virtually indistinguishable from his own work.
Dayes travelled throughout England drawing many of the country's castles, churches and monuments of antiquarian interest