Science & Invention

The Dalswinton Steamboat

Period:

20th Century

Date:

1936

Artist:

James G Jeffs (1904-1975)

Description:

This model of the Dalswinton steamboat with its two masts, two paddle wheels, two rudders and funnel was made by James G (Tim) Jeffs, a notable local artist/craftsman and a former curator of Dumfries Museum.  It was made for display at Dumfries Museum as part of an exhbition on shipping in 1936.

 

During the time that Robert Burns was farming at Ellisland, just outside Dumfries, he was invited by his landlord, Patrick Miller, to go out on Dalswinton Loch in a small experimental steamboat.  The boat, which was fitted with an engine designed by William Symington was the first paddle propelled steamboat in the world, and Robert Burns was one of its first passengers.

Place of Production:

Dumfries

Materials/Media:

wood, metal, textile

Dimensions:

height 325mm; (with stand) height 355mm, width 90mm, length 340mm

Source:

Robert Burns Centre

Accession Number:

DUMFM:0198.24

Digital Number:

BCBN018n

Copyright:

Dumfries & Galloway Council