John Slezer (fl1650-1717)

(d.1714) Gunner, draughtsman and engraver

A native of Holland who had settled in Scotland in 1669, Slezer became an ordnance engineer. In 1678 he was made a burgess of Dundee, and by 1688 had been appointed captain of artillery by the Scottish Parliament. Slezer had a passion for historic buildings, and is best remembered for his "Theatrum Scotiae" (London, 1693), a monumental set of engravings of Scottish cities, with texts by Sir Robert Sibbald, which are still regarded as primary historical sources. He presented a copy of his work to the Library in 1695 on behalf of his sons John and Archibald, who had been students at the College.