Bailie James Dickson and Baile James Torry

Category

Library Item

Item no

13492

Title

Bailie James Dickson and Baile James Torry

Description

Bailie James Dickson and Baile James Torry in profile facing each other in conversation. Both figures are dressed in period attire typical of the late 1700s, wearing distinctive tricorn hats, long coats, knee breeches and wigs beneath their hats

The men are both using canes. Bailie James Dickson, on the left, is noticeably shorter and stouter than the taller, slimmer Baile James Torryon the right. They appear to be engaged in friendly conversation, possibly greeting each other.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1786

Size

9 x 6 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The first of these city dignitaries, MR. JAMES DICKSON, was for a long time a bookseller and stationer in Edinburgh. His shop was on the west side of the front of the Royal Exchange entry, and was much frequented by clerical gentlemen, Mr. Dickson himself having been a licentiate of the Presbytery of Edinburgh. In early life, like many others of our "Scottish probationers," he was glad to shelter himself under the wing of a patron, by undertaking to perform the duties of preceptor to the family of James Kerr, Esq. of Bough-trigg,' jeweller, who represented the city of Edinburgh in Parliament from 1747 to 1754, with a very small salary; but having a counterbalancing equivalent in the promise of the first church vacancy that Mr. Kerr could procure for him. The death of this gentleman, however (in 1765), entirely destroyed the young probationer's hopes. He therefore bethought himself of a lay profession, and commenced business as a bookseller, which he carried on with very considerable success. Mr. Dickson was elected a member of Town Council, as kirk treasurer, in 1774; and from that period till 1786, we find his name repeatedly mentioned in the list of "Magistrates and Town Council of Edinburgh," as well as in the annals of the " Chamber of Commerce." Bailie Dickson was married to a sister of the famous Admiral Greig? None of his descendants are now alive. Mr. Dickson died, at his house at Stockbridge, on the 8th July 1800.

MR. JAMES TORRY, the quondam friend of Bailie Dickson, was born about the year 1746 at Paxton in Berwickshire. His father Mr. John Torry was for some time governor of Edington Castle, and afterwards factor over the estate of Mr. Hume of Paxton, and one of the most influential farmers in that country-side. Mr. Torry came to Edinburgh in early life, and served his apprenticeship as a clothier with his cousin, Mr. John Black. He afterwards commenced business in partnership with Mr. Butter, predecessor of the present Mr. Butter of Fascally, Perthshire. Their shop was the first one on the east side of the Royal Exchange entry, now (1837) possessed by Mr. Blyth. Mr. Torry married Miss Jane Halliday, daughter of Mr. James Halliday, brewer, Leith, by whom he got the estate of Strathore, which he afterwards sold to the father of John Fergus, Esq., the present proprietor, and Member of Parliament for the Kirkcaldy district of burghs. He was elected a member of the Town Council in 1772, and next year was constituted one of the magistrates of the city, which honours he enjoyed until 1786. He died on the 22d of November 1788, leaving a son, and daughter. The former survives, but the latter (Mrs. Major Douglas) died in Gilmore Place only a few months ago (1837).

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Cane

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Wigs

Clothing and dress > Garments > Breeches

Clothing and dress > Garments > Coats

People > Adults > Men

People > Commercial activities > Shop workers

People > Politics and government > Town council members

Sport and leisure > Activities > Talking

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