PAST EVENT
Held on the 19th May 2025
Dr Geoff Goolnik gave an excellent talk on Richard Henry Brunton, known throughout Japan as the father of Japanese lighthouses. Like Glover, he was the son of a serving officer in the coastguard service in the north of Scotland. He was also one of a large group of Scottish engineers who made a major contribution to the modernisation of Japan, although many of these were almost forgotten in Scotland but remembered fondly in Japan. When the British government asked the shogunate for someone to help with making their coastal waters safe for shipping, he set off for Japan, but enroute, the shogunate fell from power, however, Brunton felt the new government would honour the previous government’s promise and they did. He then proceeded to supervise the building of lighthouses and light vessels and many other lighthouses, train lighthouse keepers and he also developed training programmes for engineers as well as masons, bricklayers, etc. He also played a major role in public works in Yokohama and Osaka. Geoff took us through the story of Brunton with a fascinating presentation which did full justice to yet another superbly talented Scotsman who was more famous abroad than at home. Geoff also explained his later career and role in construction of theatres in Ireland, where he showed a real talent for architecture through his significant role in the construction of theatres.
Geoff’s presentation was excellent and especially his innovative use of AI. Geoff was having a problem with his voice and worried that he would not be able to continue talking for such a long time. He decided to add an AI voice to read the script aloud. It was a very fine script and a clear indication that his new book on Brunton will not only be evidence of excellent research, but told in a way that will provide great enjoyment to readers and is a great tribute to a great Scot who made a major contribution not only to modern Japan but also Ireland.
FROM GEOFF GOOLNIK: his book “A Man of Resolve: Richard Henry Brunton. Civil Engineer at work in 19th century Great Britain, Japan and Ireland”.
The cheapest option would be to buy through Amazon which, at £15.63, is a 37% discount on the cover price and which may also include free postage. If anyone would like a signed copy of the volume I can offer this directly myself but would need to charge an additional amount for second class postage. Please get in touch through geoff.goolnik@googlemail.com
