Bo’ness Library is hosting a free exhibition on inventor James Watt.

The displays tell of Watt’s early life and his partnership with Dr John Roebuck (who lived at Kinneil House, Bo’ness). They also explore Watt’s move to Birmingham, how he teamed up with industrialist Matthew Boulton, Watt’s other projects, his family, his role in the famous Lunar Society, and his final home.

Consultant Adrian Mahoney – who helped bring the exhibition to Bo’ness – explained: “The panels were originally created for use around the Birmingham area as part of the wider project to mark the 200 years since Watt’s death.

“Many people in Bo’ness know about James Watt’s early work to develop his steam engine, his time at Kinneil and his partnership with Dr John Roebuck – but are less clear about Watt’s later life in England. Hopefully, this exhibition answers some of their questions.

“I’d like to thank Chris Rice of the James Watt 2019 project, who developed the exhibition, and designer Dave Walsh, for allowing us to display the panels – and for Falkirk Community Trust for providing space in Bo’ness Library.

“We’d also added an additional panel telling of Watt’s time in Bo’ness – using text written by historian Geoff Bailey. Geoff has highlighted buildings that would have been around during Watt’s time, including the library itself.

“There are also displays of books and a bust of James Watt to inspire people.”

The exhibition will be on show in the library until the end of September 2019.

Bo’ness Library will also host a free Watt film show on Friday, August 23. Details here.

Library assistant Fern Christie helps set up one of the Watt displays at Bo'ness Library.
Library assistant Fern Christie helps set up one of the Watt displays at Bo’ness Library.
Little Bethany Stevens of Bo'ness checks out the little bust of James Watt on show at Bo'ness Library.
Little Bethany Stevens of Bo’ness checks out the little bust of James Watt on show at Bo’ness Library. Picture by Adrian Mahoney.

You can see the Watt exhibition on the ground floor of Bo’ness Library in Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, during normal opening hours. The main library is open at the following times:

  • Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.17:00
  • Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Events also take place upstairs in the library outwith these hours.)

For more information call the library on 01506 778520.

The exterior of Bo'ness Library, the building dates back to the time James Watt worked in Bo'ness.
The exterior of Bo’ness Library, the building dates back to the time James Watt worked in Bo’ness. Picture by Adrian Mahoney
The James Watt exhibition at Bo'ness Library.
The James Watt exhibition at Bo’ness Library. It runs until the end of September 2019. The display was originally developed for the James Watt 2019 project in England by consultant Chris Rice and designer Dave Walsh, supported by the Lunar Society with funding support from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund.

Published by Editor