Book of Dumbartonshire > Illustrations

XVII— PETER DENNY, ESQ. OF HELENSLEE.
Son of Mr. William Denny, shipbuilder, Woodyard, Dumbarton,
and brother of the preceding; born 182 1 ; educated at Dumbarton.
In 1843 entered the firm of Denny Brothers, consisting of his
brothers William and Alexander, and subsequently James. During
185 1 Mr. Peter Denny, in conjunction with John M'Ausland, Esq.,
and John Tulloch, Esq., established a marine engineering business
at Dumbarton. In 1867 the firm left the old premises of the Wood-
yard, and entered into possession of their new Leven shipyard, on
the north side of the river. Successive enlargements and increased
appliances have now rendered this yard capable of turning out
30,000 tons of shipping per annum. The area occupied by the
yard is about fifteen acres, and when in full operation about 2000
hands are employed. In 1878 Messrs. William Denny and Brothers
launched the largest tonnage on the Clyde, 22,000. That the firm
has enjoyed a long period of almost undimmed prosperity, is largely
due to the personal exertions, business qualities, and adaptive genius
of Mr. Peter Denny. Ranking high as a naval architect, his
judgment in matters connected with the art of shipbuilding and
maritime science always commands that deference which is due.
Between 1871 and 1874 he was honoured with a seat on two Royal
Commissions of Inquiry. As generous as he is enterprising, Mr.
Denny has all his life taken an active interest in the social and
educational institutions of his native burgh, and contributed bounti-
fully to their support. Since 1871 Mr. Denny has associated with
him in business his sons William and Peter, and Mr. Walter Brock.
Mr. Peter Denny married Helen Leslie, and has, besides other
issue, the above William, married 1874, Lelia Mathilda, daughter of
Leon Serena, Esq., of Messrs. Galbraith, Pembroke, & Co., London.
Mr. Peter Denny and Mr. William Denny are each Fellows of the
Royal Society of Edinburgh, Members of the Institution of Civil
Engineers, and Members of Council of the Institute of Naval
Architects.