This portrait is one of the only known images of Scottish-born Alexander Dalrymple. But who was Dalrymple, and what can this painting tell us about this significant figure in Britain’s maritime history?

Who was Alexander Dalrymple?

Although relatively unknown to today’s public, Alexander Dalrymple (1737-1808) played a hugely influential role in Britain’s maritime history during the period of enlightenment and empire.

Dalrymple was born in Newhailes, near Edinburgh, on 24 July 1737. After working for the British East India Company, in 1795 at the age of 58 he became the first Hydrographer to the Admiralty. Hydrography is the science that maps, measures, and describes water; it is vital for the safe navigation of vessels at sea.

About the portrait

In this portrait, Dalrymple is wearing the uniform of a sea-officer of the East India Company, and he is aged about 28. His association with the company began in 1759. He commanded an East India Company ship whilst surveying in the China Sea and around the Philippines.

Dalrymple is pictured with a globe, a map of the Dutch province of Friesland, two hydrographic charts, and a pair of dividers - the tools of his trade.

The painting is attributed to John Thomas Seton (c.1735-1806) but is not signed. It was probably painted at the Dalrymple family home of Newhailes, near Edinburgh, perhaps in the Chinese sitting room.

Dalrymple's career

Dalrymple's experience with the East India Company enabled him to organise a vast governmental library of maps in London. This was particularly useful for British traders and travellers.

He is credited with the creation and design of the Admiralty Chart, which was subsequently developed over 150 years to form a body of more than 4,000 charts. These charts provided a guide to safe navigation of the world’s oceans by naval and merchant shipping. In this way, he helped to lay one of the secure foundations upon which the far-flung trading posts of the British Empire was based.

Amazing discovery

When translating Spanish documents captured in the Philippines in 1752, something stood out to Dalrymple. He found evidence that showed a passage south of New Guinea, now known as the Torres Strait. The discovery led Dalrymple to publish a book which aroused widespread interest in his claim of the existence of an unknown southern continent. This resulted in Captain Cook undertaking another voyage of exploration into the South Pacific. Eventually in 1770, this led to the British discovery and charting of the Eastern coastline of Australia.

Today, the headquarters of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office in Taunton are named after Dalrymple. His papers are deposited in the National Archives at Kew. However, the only other original likeness of Dalrymple is a pencil profile held in the collections of the National Library of Australia. That makes this portrait a rare and important addition to the Museums’ collections.

Acquired with support from the Art Fund.