Sir Charles Tennant, 1st Bt (1823-1906), Manufacturer, politician and patron of art

Sitter in 4 portraits
Charles Tennant was the grandson of the chemist and industrialist of the same name. In 1843, he entered the St Rollox chemical works, which had been established by his grandfather to produce bleaching powder, and went on to become the largest alkali works in Britain. Tenant re-invigorated the ailing chemical works, becoming extremely wealthy in the process. In 1853, he bought The Glen estate in Peeblesshire, where he extensively remodelled the grounds and built a large mansion. He sat as a Liberal MP between 1879 and 1886, was a Trustee of the National Gallery and was appointed a Member of the Tariff Commission in 1904.