Background
His father was a brewer who died when James was only 10. He received little education and what he did know came from his mother or being self taught.
His father was a brewer who died when James was only 10. He received little education and what he did know came from his mother or being self taught.
In his early teens he was apprenticed to a house painter in Edinburgh.
Born West Portuguese, Edinburgh on 11 July 1808. Aged 20 he went to Edinburgh University. After graduating he turned his attention to the art of painting on glass.
His 1845 book ‘A treatise of Stained Glass’ became a standard work.
He start poetry at young age and through the very popular ‘Gaberlunzie’s wallet’ became an established writer He wrote poetry books and also a collection of his songs.
He died from a "congestion of the lungs" in Warrender Lodge, Meadows, Edinburgh on December 18, 1877.