David Napier by David Napier and David Bell: Note 21
21. ROBERT NAPIER, 1791-1876
This celebrated engineer and shipbuilder was a cousin of David, and also his brother-in-law. Having completed his apprenticeship with his father in Dumbarton he commenced business for himself in Glasgow in 1815. A few years thereafter he extended his operations to marine engineering at the Camlachie premises which David had vacated. Business having prospered there, he acquired later the larger and more convenient Vulcan Foundry, Glasgow in Washington Street; and on David's removal to London, he leased, and ultimately purchased, the still more extensive Lancefield Foundry. About five years thereafter his business was further extended by commencing the construction of iron ships at Govan. He contributed materially to the formation and development of many important steamship companies, including the British and North American (now Cunard) Company; and was among the first to undertake the construction of armour-clad vessels, of which he furnished a large number to the British and other governments. In 1853 he assumed his sons, James R. and John as partners, thereby constituting the firm of R. Napier & Sons. Mr. Napier died at his residence, West Shandon, Gareloch, in 1876, in his eighty-sixth year. An excellent biography by his grand-nephew, James Napier, was published in 1904.
After the death of Robert Napier, and of his son, James R., the business was sold, and ultimately passed into the hands of Messrs. Wm. Beardmore & Co., Limited.