In 1829, Alexander Nasmyth presumed on a slight acquaintance with engineering boss Henry Maudslay, and tried to get an apprenticeship for his son James. Maudslay regretfully declined, but offered a tour of his works as consolation. As they walked round, James’s enthusiasm struck Maudslay as something special, and he agreed to see James’s engineering portfolio the following day.

James kept his appointment at Maudslay’s punctually, with a handcart piled with technical drawings and working models. He then waited anxiously as Henry Maudslay and his partner Joshua Field went off to examine them. As soon as he saw their faces he knew he had won them over; indeed, Henry took James on as his personal assistant.

114 words