Title
Collection of letters from Andrew Vivian to Richard Trevithick
Reference
MS/1156/6
Production date
10-01-1828 - 10-01-1828
Creator
- Vivian, AndrewBiographyBiography
Andrew Vivian (1759-1842) was a Cornish mechanical engineer, inventor, and mine captain of the famous Dolcoath Mine in Cornwall. Andrew Vivian was born in 1759 at Vellansaundry as the second son of John Vivian and his wife Anne. His younger brother was Henry Vivian. Andrew was the cousin of engineer Richard Trevithick (1771 - 1833), the inventor of high pressure steam engines.
In 1790 Andrew Vivian was in business of supplying candles, leather and other mining requirements. In 1795 he became the manager of Stray Park Mine near Camborne. He persuaded the shareholders of Dolcoath Mine to re-open the mine in 1798 with Richard Trevithick. In 1801 Richard Trevithick completed his first full-sized road locomotive in Camborne, demonstrating it to the public on Christmas Eve with Vivian at the controls. In March 1802 Vivian financed the production of the first steam carriage and was granted a joint patent for high pressure engines for stationary and locomotive use in partnership with his cousin Richard Trevithick. A second locomotive was tried in Camborne and at the beginning of 1803 in London. In May 1805 Vivian sold his patent. He retired in 1806 from Dolcoath Mine and by 1811 he was the manager of Wheal Abraham mine.
Vivian had at least two sons, who died in 1805 and 1809. Andrew Vivian died in 1842.
Scope and Content
Vivian writes that he has looked through his papers and cannot find 'any thing relative to the business that will be of any use to you' as any relevant documents must have been destroyed in removing papers from one office to another. He suggests that Mr Davis Gilbert can render more assistance and also commends Mr John Rule Junior as another source of assistance.
Extent
2 pages on 1 sheet
Language
English
Level of description
FILE
Repository name
Science Museum, London
Conditions governing access
Open Access
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions