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Nasmith Collection

James Nasmyth was a Scottish engineer and inventor, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of steam hammers

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Nasmyths steam hammer erected in his foundry near Manchester in 1832. Artist: James Nasmyth

James Nasmyths steam hammer erected in his foundry near Manchester in 1832. Artist: James Nasmyth
James Nasmyths steam hammer erected in his foundry near Manchester in 1832. The steam hammer was invented by the Scottish engineer and inventor James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Nasmyth (b / w photo)

James Nasmyth (b / w photo)
816006 James Nasmyth (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

Background imageNasmith Collection: Nasmyths patent steam hammer, 1844. Creator: Unknown

Nasmyths patent steam hammer, 1844. Creator: Unknown
Nasmyths patent steam hammer, 1844. Diagram of the...novel machine, which has just been set to work at the Royal Dock-yard, Devonport [in Devon]

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Nasmyth (Steam Hammer), 1843-47. Creators: David Octavius Hill, Robert Adamson

James Nasmyth (Steam Hammer), 1843-47. Creators: David Octavius Hill, Robert Adamson
James Nasmyth (Steam Hammer), 1843-47

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Nasmyth, printers sample for the Worlds Inventors souvenir album (A25

James Nasmyth, printers sample for the Worlds Inventors souvenir album (A25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, 1888

Background imageNasmith Collection: Nasmyths patent steam hammer, 1866

Nasmyths patent steam hammer, 1866. The steam hammer was invented by the Scottish engineer and inventor James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

Background imageNasmith Collection: Nasmyths steam hammer at work, (c1880). Artist: Roberts

Nasmyths steam hammer at work, (c1880). Artist: Roberts
Nasmyths steam hammer at work, (c1880). The steam hammer was invented by the Scottish engineer and inventor James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Nasmyths steam hammer, 1900. Artist: E Zimmer

James Nasmyths steam hammer, 1900. Artist: E Zimmer
James Nasmyths steam hammer, 1900. The steam hammer was invented by the Scottish engineer and inventor James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Nasmyth, Scottish engineer and astronomer, 1877. Artist: Lock & Whitfield

James Nasmyth, Scottish engineer and astronomer, 1877. Artist: Lock & Whitfield
James Nasmyth, Scottish engineer and astronomer, 1877. Nasmyth is best known for his invention of the steam hammer. From Men of Mark

Background imageNasmith Collection: James Hall Nasmyth, Scottish engineer and inventor, (c1924)

James Hall Nasmyth, Scottish engineer and inventor, (c1924). Nasmyth (sometimes spelled Nasmith, 1808-1890) was famous for his development of the steam hammer

Background imageNasmith Collection: Casting the cylinder of the Britannia Press at the Bank Quay Foundry, Warrington, 1851

Casting the cylinder of the Britannia Press at the Bank Quay Foundry, Warrington, 1851. Casting the cylinders for the hydraulic press (lift)

Background imageNasmith Collection: Casting a mortar at Grissells Regents Canal Ironworks, City Road, London, 1855

Casting a mortar at Grissells Regents Canal Ironworks, City Road, London, 1855. A Nasmyth safety ladle (invented 1838) is being used. From The Illustrated London News, December 29 1855

Background imageNasmith Collection: David Nasmith

David Nasmith
DAVID NASMITH Scottish philanthropist Date: 1799 - 1831


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James Nasmyth was a Scottish engineer and inventor, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of steam hammers. Born on August 19, 1808, Nasmyth's contributions to engineering have left an indelible mark on history. In this black and white photo of him taken by an unknown creator, we catch a glimpse of the man behind the inventions. One of his most notable creations was the Nasmyth patent steam hammer, which he developed in 1844. This revolutionary invention transformed heavy industry by allowing for more efficient forging processes. The image captured here showcases the power and ingenuity behind this remarkable device. In another photograph from 1843-47 by David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, we see Nasmyth standing proudly next to his steam hammer. His dedication to perfecting this invention is evident as he poses confidently beside it. Nasmyth's impact extended beyond just engineering; he also had a keen interest in astronomy. A printers sample for the Worlds Inventors souvenir album depicts him alongside his famous steam hammer from 1866. The artist Roberts beautifully captures Nasmyth's steam hammer at work in another image dating back to around 1880. The sheer force exerted by this machine is awe-inspiring, showcasing its ability to shape metal with precision and strength. As time progressed, so did Nasmyth's designs. A stunning artwork from E Zimmer in 1900 portrays James Nasmyth himself alongside one of his later models of the steam hammer - a testament to his lifelong commitment to innovation. Lock & Whitfield immortalized James Hall Nasmyth through their portrait capturing him as both an engineer and astronomer in 1877. This depiction highlights not only his technical brilliance but also his curiosity about celestial bodies that fueled much of his scientific pursuits. Even years after his passing around 1924, James Hall Nasymyth's legacy lives on.