Humphrey Gainsborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Humphrey Gainsborough
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The Rev. Humphrey Gainsborough by Thomas Gainsborough (his brother), painted 1770–4
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| Born | 1718 England
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| Died | 23 August 1776 England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Engineer |
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| Significant design |
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Humphrey Gainsborough (born 1718, died 23 August 1776) was a brilliant English inventor and engineer. He was also a minister for a church that was not part of the main Church of England. Humphrey was the brother of the famous artist Thomas Gainsborough. He came up with many clever ideas and designs that helped people in his time. Some of his inventions even influenced later important machines.
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Amazing Inventions
Humphrey Gainsborough was a true inventor! He created a special machine called a drill plough in 1766. This invention helped farmers plant seeds more easily. It won him a £60 prize from the Royal Society.
He also invented a tide mill in 1761. This special mill could use the power of the tides to turn its wheel in both directions. This clever design won him a £50 prize from the Royal Society of Arts. In addition, he designed a self-ventilating fish wagon in 1762. This wagon could keep fish fresh by allowing air to flow through it.
Engineering Projects
Conway's Bridge
Humphrey Gainsborough designed Conway's Bridge. It was built in 1763 near Henley-on-Thames. This bridge is a beautiful stone structure with arches. It still carries traffic on the road between Wargrave and Henley today.
Road Improvements
In 1768, Humphrey also worked on improving roads. He made the steep White Hill road, east of Henley, much better. He straightened it and made the slope easier to climb.
River Locks
Humphrey Gainsborough designed the lock, weir, and footbridge at Marsh Lock. This is just upstream from Henley on the River Thames. He also designed other early locks along the Thames. These locks helped boats travel more easily on the river.
Influence on the Steam Engine
Some people believe that James Watt used some of Gainsborough's ideas for his famous steam engine. Watt was working on improving the older Newcomen steam engine. He later patented his improvements in 1769. Because of this, Gainsborough might not be as well-known as he should be for his contributions.
A Lasting Legacy
You can find a special blue plaque honoring Humphrey Gainsborough in Henley-on-Thames. It is on the gates of the Manse, the house where he lived. Inside that house, he designed an early security chain and plate for an outside door. This allowed the door to be opened a little bit while still being secure. Similar designs are still used on many front doors today!
What People Said
A writer named Philip Thicknesse wrote about Humphrey Gainsborough in 1785. He said that Humphrey was "one of the most ingenious men that ever lived, and one of the best that ever died." He also called him "Perhaps of all the mechanical geniuses this or any nation has produced, Mr Gainsborough was the first." This shows how highly people thought of his inventing skills.
