Robert Mylne (January 4, 1733 – May 5, 1811) is a Scottish architect and civil engineer, particularly remembered for his design for Blackfriars Bridge in London.
Born and raised in Edinburgh, he travels to Europe as a young man, studying architecture in Rome under Piranesi.
In 1758 he becomes the first Briton to win the triennial architecture competition at the Accademia di San Luca, which makes his name known in London, and wins him the rivalry of fellow Scot Robert Adam.
On his return to Britain, Mylne wins the competition to design the new Blackfriars Bridge over the Thames in London, his design being chosen over those of established engineers, such as John Smeaton.
He is appointed surveyor to the New River Company, which supplies drinking water to London, and to St Paul's Cathedral, where he is responsible for maintaining the building designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Both positions he holds for life.
Mylne designs a number of country houses and city buildings, as well as bridges.
As his career progresses he concentrates more on engineering, writing reports on harbors and advising on canals, and appearing as an expert witness in lawsuits and trials.
Mylne is one of the founder members, with John Smeaton, of the Society of Civil Engineers, the first engineering society in the world, established in 1771.
He is also a founder of the Architects' Club, another early professional body, and regularly socializes with the eminent doctors, philosophers and scientists of his day.
Known for his quick temper and for his integrity, Mylne has a strong sense of duty, and can be stubborn when he knows he is right.
This inflexibility makes him unpopular with some, in an age when corruption is more widespread than today.
He dies aged seventy-eight and is buried in St Paul's Cathedral.
