Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- [1841-1899] (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
11 boxes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
John Donaldson was born in Aberdeen, later studying Engineering at Glasgow University. It was here that he met fellow pupil John Isaac Thornycroft, who became a lifelong friend. After graduating, Donaldson worked in Calcutta for the Department of Public Works. It was whilst in India that he married John Thornycroft's sister, Frances. Returning to England in 1873 due to Frances' ill health, Donaldson joined Thornycroft as a partner in his boatyard at Chiswick. It was here that Donaldson's skill as an engineer came into its own, designing and working on various craft, especially fast torpedo boats, for which the company became famous. John Donaldson lived and worked in Chiswick until his relatively early death in 1899, aged 58.
Repository
Archival history
GB 0064 DON [1841-1899] Collection 11 boxes Donaldson , John , 1841-1899 , civil servant and engineer
John Donaldson was born in Aberdeen, later studying Engineering at Glasgow University. It was here that he met fellow pupil John Isaac Thornycroft, who became a lifelong friend. After graduating, Donaldson worked in Calcutta for the Department of Public Works. It was whilst in India that he married John Thornycroft's sister, Frances. Returning to England in 1873 due to Frances' ill health, Donaldson joined Thornycroft as a partner in his boatyard at Chiswick. It was here that Donaldson's skill as an engineer came into its own, designing and working on various craft, especially fast torpedo boats, for which the company became famous. John Donaldson lived and worked in Chiswick until his relatively early death in 1899, aged 58.
The papers were donated to the National Maritime Museum in 1986 by Ian Donaldson, John Donaldson's grandson.
Papers of John Donaldson, covering most of Donaldson's education and working life, ranging from school work, his university exercise books and exam papers, to government reports and surveys from his time in India, and finally to extensive letters, reprots, etc, covering the period with Thornycroft.
In transit - item unavailable from May to August 2011
Please contact the Archive for further information.
English
Detailed catalogue online at the: National Maritime Museum website .
Edited by Sarah Drewery, Jun 2011.
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
2011-04-19 Donaldson , John , 1841-1899 , civil servant and engineer Marine engineering Surveying Thornycroft (boatbuilders) India South Asia Transport engineering
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The papers were donated to the National Maritime Museum in 1986 by Ian Donaldson, John Donaldson's grandson.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Papers of John Donaldson, covering most of Donaldson's education and working life, ranging from school work, his university exercise books and exam papers, to government reports and surveys from his time in India, and finally to extensive letters, reprots, etc, covering the period with Thornycroft.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
In transit - item unavailable from May to August 2011
Conditions governing reproduction
Please contact the Archive for further information.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
- Latin
Language and script notes
English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Detailed catalogue online at the: National Maritime Museum website .
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
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Description control area
Description identifier
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Rules and/or conventions used
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English