Gérard DeVisme was born in London on 6 February 1726. He was the fifth son of Philippe de Visme, a Huguenot nobleman from Picardy, and Marianne de la Mejanelle. The family had fled France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He was baptised at the French Huguenot church of St Martin Orgars in London. His godfather was Gerard Vanneck, a wealthy merchant, who later supported his career. DeVisme was educated at Westminster School between 1737 and 1741.
He was likely an apprentice in the London trading house of Gerard Vanneck, his godfather.[3] DeVisme was an active member of the British Factory in Lisbon.[4] He regularly signed official petitions and correspondence defending British commercial interests. He was also owner of the company Purry, Mellish and Devisme, along with David de Purry and Joseph Mellish.
DeVisme was know for throwing large parties in Lisbon and connecting the inteligentia of the city.[5]
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