A member of a long established Glasgow family of merchants and manufacturers, Walter Crum studied chemistry at Anderson's University under the great Thomas Graham and subsequently became assistant to the scientific pioneer, James Thomson in Lancashire. Following a period of travel in Europe and Asia Minor, Crum returned to Glasgow to take over the management of the family firm, which specialised in dyeing and calico printing, and also the family estate at Thornliebank. This estate had been purchased by John Crum, merchant in Glasgow, from Sir John Maxwell of Pollok in December 1789. He continued his researches, published scientific papers and was recognised throughout Europe as an expert on dyestuffs. Crum was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1844 and served as President of Anderson's University from 1847-1865. He died at Thornliebank in May 1867.
From the guide to the Papers of Walter Crum, 1789-1929, (Strathclyde University Archives)
