Lauchlan McBain
(circa 1716-1818), Vendor of fly-jacks and toasting-forksSitter in 3 portraits
McBain had been a soldier. Receiving no pension on retiring from the army, he became a manufacturer of roasting-jacks for turning meat and toasting-forks. He sold these on the streets of the city, singing his 'roasting, toasting' ditty. In old age he was admitted to the workhouse, but at 96 was expelled after becoming intimate with the elderly nurse. They married, and he returned to selling roasting-jacks, before being readmitted to the workhouse where he died aged 102.
by John Kay
etching, 1791
NPG D18660
by John Kay
etching, 1791
NPG D16856
by John Kay
etching, 1815
NPG D16857
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