Sandby was an early member of the Royal Academy and a pioneer in the use of watercolour and gouache. He moved away from the traditional pen-and-wash style to create works with physical body and depth. His views of Conway Castle and Warwick Castle demonstrate his ability to balance architectural detail with atmospheric light. He also popularised the aquatint method in England, which allowed for the production of tonal prints that looked like original drawings.

Modern collectors value Sandby for his honest depiction of British rural and urban spaces. His scenes of Hyde Park or Luton Park provide a clear view of eighteenth-century life without excessive romanticism. The works offer a sense of order and calm. These prints suit contemporary interiors because they combine historical interest with a clean, descriptive aesthetic.