James Nasmyth, 1808 - 1890. Engineer; inventor of the steam hammer
About this artwork
This is one of a number of calotypes showing James Nasmyth, the son of the painter Alexander Nasmyth and a close friend of David Octavius Hill, in a reflective mood. He was an engineer and invented the steam hammer and pile driver, which revolutionised industry and engineering work across the world. He took a keen interest in photography as he considered it ’a delightful means of educating the eye for artistic feeling, as well as educating the hands in delicate manipulation’.
Updated before 2020
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artists:
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title:James Nasmyth, 1808 - 1890. Engineer; inventor of the steam hammer
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date created:About 1844
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materials:Salted paper print
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measurements:19.90 x 15.20 cm
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object type:
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accession number:PGP HA 541
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subject:
Robert Adamson
Robert Adamson
Robert Adamson was one of the first professional photographers, setting up in business in Edinburgh in March 1843. He had aspired to be an engineer but his health was too poor. His brother, John, who was involved in the early experiments with photography in St Andrews, taught him the calotype...