Alexander Nasmyth
(1758–1840), Artist and Engineer.
1758 Born in Edinburgh, son of Michael Nasmyth, builder
Apprenticed to Crichton, coach builders, painting coats of arms and decorations on the coaches
Transferred his apprenticeship to Allan Ramsay, portrait painter, in London
1778 Returned to Edinburgh and set up as a portrait painter.
Started to take an interest in science; assisted Patrick Miller of Dalswinton in drawings for his mechanical inventions.
1782 Visited Italy with Miller's support
1786 Married Barbara Foulis; they had two sons who became famous in their own rights, and 6 daughters.
1787 Introduced to Robert Burns, who he sketched
1788 Observed and sketched Symington and Miller's first use of steam for propulsion of a vessel on Dalswinton Lake.
Designed several bridges and other architectural structures, including the layout of the New Town in Edinburgh.
1794 Invented the "bow and string" bridge
1807 Featured in William Walker et al’s painting of "Men of science living in 1807-8"[1]
One of Alexander's hobbies was mechanics and he employed nearly all his spare time in his workshop where he encouraged his youngest son, James, to work with him in all sorts of materials
1820 James left the High School and again made great use of his father's workshop where, at the age of 17, he made his first steam engine.
1821-30 Alexander exhibited several times at the Royal Institution of Edinburgh (his paintings are in many museums).
1840 Died
See Also
Sources of Information
- DNB