Robert Mylne
Robert Mylne (1733–1811), F.R.S., architect and engineer (building contractor)
1733 Born on 4 January in Edinburgh; his father, Thomas Mylne (d. 1763), was a master mason.
1747 Apprenticed to Daniel Wright, a carpenter
1755 Travelled to Rome with his brother William, who also became an architect but remained in Edinburgh. Met Piranesi, the architect, who encouraged Robert Mylne's interest in ancient water systems.
1759 Returned to London where he entered the competition for a new bridge over the Thames at Blackfriars.
1760 Mylne's design was chosen; he was also appointed surveyor to oversee the construction. The bridge was completed in 1768 and survived for a century. Also provided designs for St Cecilia's Hall, Edinburgh
Responsible for the design of the Almack's Club, London, for important alterations to houses at King's Weston, near Bristol, and Cally, in Galloway. He was also consulted on several bridges, and was involved in the design or reconstruction of many others, including those at Newcastle and Glasgow. Appointed surveyor to St Paul's Cathedral.
1767 Appointed assistant surveyor (1767) of the New River Co and elected a fellow of the Royal Society
1770 Married Maria (May) Home (1748–1797); they had two sons, Robert Mylne and William Chadwell Mylne (1781–1863); the latter succeeded his father in several appointments.
1771 Appointed surveyor of the New River Co
With John Smeaton, founded the Society of Civil Engineers.
Many other commissions for architectural design and for engineering
Appointed chief engineer to the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal but was dismissed in 1798
1807 Featured in William Walker et al’s painting of "Men of science living in 1807-8"[1]
1810 Retired from his position with the New River Co
1811 Died at his home, New River Head, Clerkenwell, on 6 May
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of Robert Mylne, ODNB [2]