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Joseph Bramah

(1748-1814), Inventor

Regency Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 3 portraits
Initially apprenticed to a local carpenter, Bramah moved to London, where he obtained employment as a cabinet-maker. While working fitting water closets, he found certain defects in the model he was installing. He designed his own model, obtained a patent and began its manufacture. In 1783 he joined the Society of Arts, where he attended some technical discussions on locks before going on to perfect and patent his own design in 1784. As his lock became more widely demanded, he invented a method of mechanising its production. Bramah's most important invention is considered to be the hydraulic press, which still retains many industrial applications.

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Men of Science Living in 1807-8, by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds) - NPG 1075

Men of Science Living in 1807-8

by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds)
pencil and wash, 1858-1862
NPG 1075

Engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8', by George Zobel, and William Walker - NPG 1075a

Engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'

by George Zobel, and William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075a

Key to engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8', by William Walker - NPG 1075b

Key to engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'

by William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075b

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