Her father was an engineer and a very successful artist who was taking on commissions not only for paintings but also for theatre scenery in both Edinburgh and London.

[3] The Nasmyth painting school in Edinburgh was managed by the six sisters with the eldest, Jane, taking the lead.

The same year Anne began to help with classes in London at her sister, Elizabeth's house in Portland Place.

In 1831 Anne spent time with her brothers, James and George, as they started out in their careers as engineers in Manchester.

She continued to teach at Elizabeth's house until 1838 when she married William Bennett in St Pancras church.

William Bennett ensured her brother's fortune when he lent him the money to patent his steam hammer.