John Rennie (naval architect)
Encyclopedia
John Rennie was a naval architect born in Stranraer
.
Rennie became an apprentice shipwright on the Clyde
at Govan
but, determined to better himself, studied naval architecture in the evening. He worked in Dumbarton and Renfrew
, before gaining the position of Chief Draughtsman with Scott & Linton at Dumbarton, where he worked on the clipper Cutty Sark
under Hercules Linton
. He was then appointed Naval Constructor and Instructor for the Chinese Government, working in Shanghai
, a position he occupied for 8 years. On returning to Scotland, he worked with the Ardrossan
Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company and then, for 19 years, with John Fullarton & Company at Paisley
. During his career Rennie also designed various instruments used in shipbuilding. He died at Leith
.
Stranraer
Stranraer is a town in the southwest of Scotland. It lies in the west of Dumfries and Galloway and in the county of Wigtownshire.Stranraer lies on the shores of Loch Ryan on the northern side of the isthmus joining the Rhins of Galloway to the mainland...
.
Rennie became an apprentice shipwright on the Clyde
River Clyde
The River Clyde is a major river in Scotland. It is the ninth longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third longest in Scotland. Flowing through the major city of Glasgow, it was an important river for shipbuilding and trade in the British Empire....
at Govan
Govan
Govan is a district and former burgh now part of southwest City of Glasgow, Scotland. It is situated west of Glasgow city centre, on the south bank of the River Clyde, opposite the mouth of the River Kelvin and the district of Partick....
but, determined to better himself, studied naval architecture in the evening. He worked in Dumbarton and Renfrew
Renfrew
-Local government:The town of Renfrew gave its name to a number of local government areas used at various times:*Renfrew a town to the west of Glasgow*Renfrewshire, the present unitary local council area in which Renfrew is situatated....
, before gaining the position of Chief Draughtsman with Scott & Linton at Dumbarton, where he worked on the clipper Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark is a clipper ship. Built in 1869, she served as a merchant vessel , and then as a training ship until being put on public display in 1954...
under Hercules Linton
Hercules Linton
Hercules Linton was a Scottish surveyor, designer, shipbuilder, antiquarian and local councillor, best known as the designer of the Cutty Sark and partner in the yard of Scott and Linton which built her....
. He was then appointed Naval Constructor and Instructor for the Chinese Government, working in Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, a position he occupied for 8 years. On returning to Scotland, he worked with the Ardrossan
Ardrossan
Ardrossan is a town on the North Ayrshire coast in south-western Scotland. The name "Ardrossan" describes its physical position — 'ard' from the Gaelic àird meaning headland, 'ros' a promontory and the diminutive suffix '-an' - headland of the little promontory...
Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company and then, for 19 years, with John Fullarton & Company at Paisley
Paisley
Paisley is the largest town in the historic county of Renfrewshire in the west central Lowlands of Scotland and serves as the administrative centre for the Renfrewshire council area...
. During his career Rennie also designed various instruments used in shipbuilding. He died at Leith
Leith
-South Leith v. North Leith:Up until the late 16th century Leith , comprised two separate towns on either side of the river....
.