David Napier (automotive engineer)
Encyclopedia
This article is about the automotive and aero-engine manufacturer. For other people of the same name see David Napier (disambiguation)
David Napier (1785–1873) was a Scottish engineer, notable for founding Napier & Son
, an early automotive and aero-engine company.
). He was the son of Robert Napier (1726–1790), and cousin of another Robert Napier
– the "Father of Clyde Shipbuilding." One of David Napier's uncles had served as a blacksmith
for the Duke of Argyll
.
before founding his own company in 1808 in Soho, London. In 1848, it became Napier & Son, when he added his son James Napier to the business partnership.
His engineering company produced machines for bullet-making, gun-boring and turning for a number of government arsenals, as well as coin-weighing machines for the Bank of England
, two-cylinder printing presses (designed to print simultaneously on both sides of a sheet of paper) and a centrifuge for sugar manufacturing before turning to automobile manufacturing under his grandson Montague Napier
. His machines were described as "delicate as any clock could be" source, and his printing press in particular earned praise by Thomas Curson Hansard
.
David Napier (1785–1873) was a Scottish engineer, notable for founding Napier & Son
Napier & Son
D. Napier & Son Limited was a British engine and pre-Great War automobile manufacturer and one of the most important aircraft engine manufacturers in the early to mid-20th century...
, an early automotive and aero-engine company.
Life
David Napier was born in Dumbarton to a family of engineers (the Kilmahew branch of the Napier familyClan Napier
Clan Napier is a Scottish clan originally from lands around Loch Lomond, but with presence in Stirlingshire, Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire.-Origins of the Clan:There is some debate about the origin of the name Napier...
). He was the son of Robert Napier (1726–1790), and cousin of another Robert Napier
Robert Napier (engineer)
Robert Napier was a Scottish engineer, and is often called "The Father of Clyde Shipbuilding."-Early life:Robert Napier was born in Dumbarton at the height of the Industrial Revolution, to James and Jean Napier...
– the "Father of Clyde Shipbuilding." One of David Napier's uncles had served as a blacksmith
Blacksmith
A blacksmith is a person who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal; that is, by using tools to hammer, bend, and cut...
for the Duke of Argyll
Duke of Argyll
Duke of Argyll is a title, created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1701 and in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1892. The Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes of Argyll were for several centuries among the most powerful, if not the most powerful, noble family in Scotland...
.
Engineering
He eventually moved south, and worked for Henry MaudslayHenry Maudslay
Henry Maudslay was a British machine tool innovator, tool and die maker, and inventor. He is considered a founding father of machine tool technology.-Early life:...
before founding his own company in 1808 in Soho, London. In 1848, it became Napier & Son, when he added his son James Napier to the business partnership.
His engineering company produced machines for bullet-making, gun-boring and turning for a number of government arsenals, as well as coin-weighing machines for the Bank of England
Bank of England
The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and the model on which most modern central banks have been based. Established in 1694, it is the second oldest central bank in the world...
, two-cylinder printing presses (designed to print simultaneously on both sides of a sheet of paper) and a centrifuge for sugar manufacturing before turning to automobile manufacturing under his grandson Montague Napier
Montague Napier
Montague Stanley Napier was an English automobile and aircraft engine manufacturer. His grandfather, David Napier , had moved to London from Scotland and by 1836 had established an engineering company in Lambeth called Napier & Son...
. His machines were described as "delicate as any clock could be" source, and his printing press in particular earned praise by Thomas Curson Hansard
Thomas Curson Hansard
Thomas Curson Hansard was the son of the printer Luke Hansard.In 1803, he established a press of his own in Paternoster Row. In the same year, William Cobbett, a newspaperman, began to print the Parliamentary Debates...
.