James Rennie Barnett


James Rennie Barnett OBE was a Scottish naval architect.

Early life

Barnett was born in Johnstone, son of Janet Barnett and James Barnett, a bookkeeper.

Career

At age 16, Barnett became an apprentice in the drawing office of G.L. Watson & Co. and remained for seven years. During this time, Barnett completed a degree in Naval Architecture at the University of Glasgow. Barnett received 1st prize in the Buoyancy and Stability of Ships Class. In 1896, he received the South Kensington 1st Class Honours Certificate and Medal for Naval Architecture. In 1888, Barnett joined William Doxford & Sons as a Draughtsman, leaving in 1889 to return to G.L. Watson & Co. as Chief Draughtsman. Barnett succeeded George Lennox Watson as Managing Partner of G.L. Watson & Co. in 1904 and retired in 1954 after more than 50 years of service. During his time at the firm, Barnett designed over 400 yachts, lifeboats and commercial vessels including:
Barnett succeeded Watson as Consulting Naval Architect to the RNLI in 1904 and held the position until 1947. Barnett brought about many changes in lifeboat design including increased efficiency and better operational stability. Notably, he developed the world’s first self-righting lifeboat and the Barnett-class lifeboat. His book, Modern Motor Lifeboats is considered to be the standard work on the subject.

Honours

Barnett died in 1965 at age 100.

Selected works

Books