Gift from the Brashear Association, Pittsburgh
2013.1.1
John A. Brashear
August 16 2012 (Date accessioned)
Pastel
Drawing
Drawings
19.5 in W
x
23.5 in H
(Frame)
Notes: With frame.
Notes: With frame.
American
Portrait of John A. Brashear (born on November 24, 1840 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania - died on April 8, 1920), acting chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh from 1901-1904.
John A. Brashear was acting chancellor from 1901-1904. He was a well-liked member of the community who did much for the school, despite not having been an educator. In fact, he spent four months at Pittsburgh's Duff's Mercantile College after only a sixth-grade education. He worked as a mechanic in a rolling mill on the South Side, but his advocations made his name. From his workshop on the South Side, the man once elected as First Citizen of Pittsburgh and appointed First Citizen of Pennsylvania, perfected the spectroscope for use in astronomy. His work with this science, and skill in grinding lenses took him to the Allegheny Observatory, and brought him honorary degrees from Princeton and other universities. He inspired his friends to give to the Western University, bringing endowment to the engineering program and the College of Fine Arts. In 1904, Brashear resigned for reason of declining health.
In Collection
University Art Gallery, University of Pittsburgh (since 2013)
Brashear Association, Inc., Pittsburgh (until 2013)
Brashear Association, Inc., Pittsburgh (until 2013)
A Man Who Loved the Stars: The Autobiography of John A. Brashear
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.