Arbroath Signal Tower Museum
Arbroath Lawnmower Collection
About this collection
This collection represents lawnmower production in Arbroath, which began with Alexander Shanks (born in Arbroath in 1801), who is credited with patenting the first effective lawnmower.
Shanks had started his own machine making and spinning firm at Ogilvy Place, Arbroath in 1825. His invention was horse drawn and unlike it rivals rolled grass as it cut, creating the all-important smooth lawn. His ‘grass cutting machine’ as it is described in the original patent document had long low lines, rear guiding handles and a horse towing bar projecting from the front, in appearance similar to an iron plough. with roller, cogs and cutting blades in place of the sock and coulter.
Alexander Shanks needed help in promoting his new machine and turned for advice to William F. Lindsay Carnegie of Boysack, a local landowner interested in new ideas. Carnegie immediately saw the possibilities of Shank’s ‘horse-drawn grass cutting machine’, and ordered one for his estate at Kinblethmont. The first trial of the new cutting machine took place in 1842.
As gardens and gardening gained in popularity with the middle classes, Shanks along with other lawnmower manufacturers began to produce more and better models to cater for this growing market. The firm moved into bigger premises in Arbroath at Dens Iron Works, opened a showroom and office in London supplying lawnmowers as far south as the Isle of Wight, and diversified into other aspects of ironwork. It seemed that the ‘Grassie’ as the Dens iron Works was affectionately known would continue forever, but in the 1950s the manufacture of lawnmowers in Arbroath was taken over by a Birmingham firm, and in 1969 an era came to an end.
What are the highlights of this collection
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How can I find out more
A sample of this collection is on display. The remainder is in storage, details of which can be made available on request.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2008