Robert Inches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Kirk Inches
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1845 |
| Died | 2 August 1918 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | goldsmith and silversmith |
| Title | founder of Hamilton & Inches |
| Children | Robert Kirk Inches Edward James Inches |
| Parent(s) |
|
Sir Robert Kirk Inches (born around 1845 – died 2 August 1918) was a Scottish businessman. He was a skilled goldsmith and silversmith. He helped start a famous jewellery company called Hamilton & Inches. He also served as the Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1912 to 1916. This role is like being the mayor of the city.
Early Life and Family
Robert Kirk Inches was born around the year 1845. His father, also named Robert Inches, worked as a printer. His father's company, John Stark & Co, was located on the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Building a Business
In 1866, Robert Kirk Inches started his own jewellery business. He teamed up with his uncle, James Hamilton. They named their company Hamilton & Inches. Their first shop was at 90 Princes Street in Edinburgh.
James Hamilton retired from the business in 1883. Robert Inches then took full control. In 1888, he bought another property nearby. This allowed him to expand the shop to a larger space at 88/90 Princes Street.
Hamilton & Inches became very successful. They even became "by appointment" jewellers to Queen Victoria. This meant the Queen chose them to make her jewellery. In 1903, Robert Inches also helped create a group for goldsmiths, silversmiths, and watchmakers in Edinburgh. This group officially started in 1906.
A Leader in Edinburgh
Robert Kirk Inches was a respected figure in Edinburgh. He was chosen to be the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. This is a very important job, similar to being the mayor of a big city. He held this position from 1912 to 1916. During his time as Lord Provost, King George V honored him by making him a knight. This is why he is known as Sir Robert Kirk Inches.
A painting of Sir Robert Kirk Inches was made by the artist George Fiddes Watt. This portrait is now kept by the City of Edinburgh Council.
His Family and Legacy
Sir Robert Kirk Inches married Mary Gray Morison on 8 June 1868 in Edinburgh. They had seven children together. Two of his sons, Robert and Edward, served in the First World War.
Sir Robert Kirk Inches passed away on 2 August 1918. He is buried in Warriston Cemetery in Edinburgh. After his death, his son Edward James Inches took over the family business. Later, Edward's son, Robert Campbell Inches, led the company. In 1950, Ian Hamilton Inches took control.
In 1952, the Hamilton & Inches company moved to a new location at 87 George Street. In 1992, a company from London called Asprey bought Hamilton & Inches. However, the famous name "Hamilton & Inches" was kept for the business.
