James Nasmyth (1808-1890) started work as Henry Maudslay's personal assistant aged 20. He was a skilled engineer and also an astronomer and artist. A model he made of the Moon's surface is displayed in our 'Making the Modern World' gallery.

When he set up in business independently, Nasmyth's chief product was the steam hammer, which harnessed steam power to shape metal. Nasmyth was proud of his hammers; a steam hammer formed his personal emblem, and he named his retirement home 'Hammerfield'.