Bust of John Rennie, civil engineer, 1761 - 1821

This bust of John Rennie was made by Francis Legatt Chantrey RA (1781-1841). It was gifted to East Lothian by the great grandson of the subject and is on display in the County Buildings in Haddington.

Chantrey depicted John Rennie in a traditional, classical guise in this marble bust. The artist has attempted to model the subject’s tousled hair, a feature that also appears in portraits of Rennie.

East Lothian born John Rennie set up as a mechanical engineer in London in 1791. He established his reputation by building canals but amongst his greatest achievements were three bridges over the Thames. Closer to home he built a bridge at Musselburgh.

Museum id no. 2001.241.19

Tags: east lothian, museum, john rennie, engineer
Uploaded: October 5, 2006

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