Edinburgh Bookshelf

Kay's Originals Vol. 2

Search

1 sa E I OG RAP H I GAL SI< ET C H ES. family resided during summer. Being a keen amateur horticulturist, he kept a gardener at Liberton ; and his garden, long known for the superior collection which it contained, was much frequented. Mr. Williamson died at Edinburgh on the 15th February 1823, in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and was buried at Newbattle. He was twice married, and by his first wife had two sons and a daughter. His second wife was a sister of the late Mr. Peacock of Stenhouse, from whom he held the house and ground at Liberton on very advantageous terms.’ His eldest son, David, was a writer to the Signet ; and James, a writer and messenger. No. CCXIII. AIR. FRANCIS BRAIDWOOD, CABINET-MAKER. THIS caricature of a respectable citizen was meant to satirise his somewhat extravagant and fastidious taste in matters of dress and fashion. According to Kay’s notes, he ‘‘ was among the first of the bucks who appeared with shoestrings instead of buckles.”’ In the Print it will be observed that these appendages are prominently displayed, especially on the “ cloots ” of one of the ‘‘ fellow bucks,” with whom the artist has thought proper to confront him, The engraving originally bore the inscription-“ I say, don’t laugh, for we are brothers.” Although by no means a fop, in the common meaning of the term, Mr. Braidwood was not insensible to the advantages he possessed in a tall, athletic frame, and commanding appearance ; but, much as the caricature was calculated to wound his feelings, he displayed his good sense by taking no other notice of it than to join heartily in the laugh which it produced. The father of Mr. Braidwood (7vVilliam) was a candlemaker at the head of the West Bow ; and so strictly Presbyterian and religious, that he obtained the soubripwt of the Bowhead Saint. In burlesque of his uncommon zeal, it is told that he once caused a bird, with its cage, to be placed in the City Guard for profaning the Sabbath by whistling “O’er the water to Charlie.” The real Williamson held the ground for about 20s. an acre ; and his brother-in-law became bound to reimburse him for any ameliorations or improvements he might make on the property. On the strength of this agreement, Williamson made out a claim for .€900, which Nr. Peacock refused to pay. On the demise of Mr. Williamson, his heirs carried the matter before the Sheriff, when a remit was made, and professional men appointed to inspect and report upon the extent and benefit of the improvements. His adoption of shoestrings, we believe, did not altogether arise from a desire to be at the top of the ton. Eaving for some time been much annoyed by an injury on the rise of his foot-upon which the buckle immediately pressed-he found great relief on abandoning the old fashion. The claim waa subsequently reduced to B O O .
Volume 9 Page 163
  Shrink Shrink   Print Print