We've been sharing some of the audio created for the JamesWatt.scot website in a new podcast, hosted by Anchor. You can listen to episodes on iTunes, Spotify and other audio platforms. You can also check out the podcast on Anchor itself at http://www.anchor.fm/jameswatt Happy listening! Image: MPhoto by Tommy Lopez on Pexels.com
Watt’s letter copier gets a modern twist
James Watt is famed for his work improving steam engines. But did you know he also invented a letter copier? Watt came up with the device to relive him of the tedium of making copies of his plans and drawings. The copier was patented back in 1780 – and the principle remained in use until the … Continue reading Watt’s letter copier gets a modern twist
The first working Watt engine in the world
James Watt built an experimental steam engine at Kinneil, Bo'ness (in central Scotland) - as part of a partnership with Dr John Roebuck. But did you know that this engine eventually went to work in Birmingham at the famous Soho Manufactory? The Manufactory was set up by businessman Matthew Boulton. Boulton teamed up with Watt … Continue reading The first working Watt engine in the world
The women behind Watt
Historian Dr Kate Croft has been talking about the women behind Watt - his two wives. The inventor and engineer was married to Margaret ("Peggy") Miller from 1764 until her death in 1773. In 1776 he married Ann MacGregor. Ann's relationship with Watt continued until his death in 1819. While much has been written about … Continue reading The women behind Watt
Delving into the history of Kennetpans
Historian Bill Whitehead has been delving into the history of Kennetpans - the former distillery site that was once home to the first Boulton and Watt rotative engine in Scotland. Bill recently spoke at a conference on Watt at the University of Birmingham and chatted later about his research into the Kennetpans Distillery, set up … Continue reading Delving into the history of Kennetpans
Author talks about Watt and new book
Author David Miller has been talking about his new book about James Watt. “The Life and Legend of James Watt: Collaboration, Natural Philosophy, and the Improvement of the Steam Engine” was published earlier this year by the University of Pittsburgh Press (hardcover, $50, ISBN 978-0-8229-4558-1). David is emeritus professor of the history of science at … Continue reading Author talks about Watt and new book
Heritage award for museum’s model engine
It was the model engine that inspired James Watt to have his big idea .... The model Newcomen Engine is now on show in a glass case in The Hunterian Museum within the University of Glasgow. It was once used for teaching and demonstrations. But it was unreliable. Between 1763 and 1764, the young James … Continue reading Heritage award for museum’s model engine
Steam engine honoured on Watt anniversary day
A Boulton and Watt steam engine - which takes pride of place in one of Dundee's leading museums - is to receive a prestigious heritage award . . . on a very special day. The rotative beam engine - one of only five of its kind surviving in the UK - is the star object … Continue reading Steam engine honoured on Watt anniversary day
Radio show considers the genius of James Watt
A forthcoming episode of "The Forum" programme on the BBC World Service will focus on inventor James Watt. Dr Malcolm Dick of the University of Birmingham was interviewed for the show. He says the BBC also talked to Watt experts Val Boa from McLean Museum and Art Gallery in Greenock, Ben Russell from the Science … Continue reading Radio show considers the genius of James Watt
Discover Watt at the Science Museum
London's Science Museum features a number of Boulton and Watt engines - as well as Watt's Birmingham workshop (rebuilt in London). The Museum's curator of mechanical engineering, Ben Russell, told us about what visitors can expect. He also reflected on how the museum celebrated the 100th anniversary of Watt's death (in 1919). "We've got four … Continue reading Discover Watt at the Science Museum
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