Charles Lawson (1795–1873) was a Scottish nurseryman and merchant, noted for the introduction of foreign crops into the United Kingdom.[1] He served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1862 to 1865.[2]
Charles Lawson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A portrait of Lawson by John Graham-Gilbert | |
| Born | 1795 |
| Died | 1873 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | Edinburgh High School Edinburgh University |
| Occupation(s) | Nurseryman, merchant |
| Spouse | Patricia Grant |
| Parents |
|
Life
editLawson was born in Edinburgh, son of the seed merchant Peter Lawson and his wife Patricia Grant. The family lived at 19 Blair Street, a street joining the Royal Mile to the Cowgate.[3] He was educated at Edinburgh High School and Edinburgh University. His father died in 1821, and Charles then took over the family business Peter Lawson & Son.[1]
In Edinburgh he lived at 35 George Square. In 1851, he purchased Borthwick Hall near Gorebridge.[4]
Lawson was connected to the huge Lawson-Donaldson Seed Warehouse off the Shore in Leith.
Successful on a national scale, Lawson became a specialist in grass seeds and conifers. The Cupressus lawsoniana was named after him.[1]
Lawson died in 1873.
Artistic depictions
editLawson was portrayed in office by John Graham-Gilbert.[5]
Notes
edit- ^ a b c Curthoys, M. C. "Lawson, Charles". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/96787. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- ^ Grants Old and New Edinburgh
- ^ Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1800
- ^ Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1850
- ^ "Charles Lawson of Borthwick Hall (D.1874), Lord Provost of Edinburgh (1862–1865) | Art UK".
