Researcher Kate Bowell has been looking at how the story of James Watt has been presented to audiences visiting the National Museum of Scotland. The Museum in Edinburgh is home to a Boulton and Watt engine, which takes pride of place in one of the first floor galleries. Kate is a Ph.D. student at the … Continue reading The changing narrative about James Watt
Watt the hero – “but not superhero”
Professor John Hume has talked about James Watt and his story. He said: "I've been involved with history of technology for many, many, years. I've become very interested in Watt and his connections. I grew up with the idea of Watt was a superhero. As I get older and know more, I'm more convinced he's … Continue reading Watt the hero – “but not superhero”
Exploring Watt’s musical roots
James Watt is well known as an inventor and engineer. But did you know that he made musical instruments? Engineering historian Dr Nina Baker (pictured above) told us more. Listen to the audio here . . . . Statue of James Watt at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Picture by Adrian Mahoney. … Continue reading Exploring Watt’s musical roots
The ‘defining image’ of James Watt – on show in 2019
It's been described as the "defining image" of inventor James Watt. "James Watt and the Steam Engine: the Dawn of the Nineteenth Century", by James Eckford Lauder (NG 2435), will go on show at the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound in Edinburgh in July 2019. The painting has been described as the "world's largest … Continue reading The ‘defining image’ of James Watt – on show in 2019
Discover James Watt on BBC Sounds
The new BBC Sounds app - available on mobile devices and desktop PCs - features an archive programme on inventor James Watt. You can listen to the audio here. Presenter Naomi Alderman talks to the historian Jenny Uglow about the five friends who kick-started the Industrial Revolution. The 26-minute programme was first broadcast in 2015. … Continue reading Discover James Watt on BBC Sounds
James Watt at the National Mining Museum Scotland
Inventor James Watt worked on developing the steam engine to support the mining industry. Watt gained early support from industrialist Dr John Roebuck, who was leasing pits around Bo'ness in central Scotland in the 18th century. Roebuck hoped Watt could improve the steam engine to reduce flooding in his pits. Sadly Watt's breakthrough improvements came … Continue reading James Watt at the National Mining Museum Scotland
James Watt at National Galleries of Scotland
Art lovers can come face-to-face with inventor James Watt through the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. You can view online images from the NGS collection here. We asked Helen Smailes, Senior Curator of British Art (Paintings and Sculpture), at NGS to pick out some of her highlights. The bust She started by talking about a … Continue reading James Watt at National Galleries of Scotland
Promoting Watt at Heriot-Watt
Angela Edgar, the curator at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, has talked about the foundation of the institution - and its plans to celebrate the life of James Watt with a new exhibition early in 2019. The display will include two of the University's prized items - a copying machine designed by James Watt and a James Nasmyth … Continue reading Promoting Watt at Heriot-Watt
Importance of Carron highlighted
Dr David Mitchell, the Director of Conservation at Historic Environment Scotland, has been talking about the importance of the Carron Company, an ironworks located on the outskirts of Falkirk. One of the Company's founders was John Roebuck - a business partner of inventor James Watt. Watt worked on developing an improved steam engine at Roebuck's … Continue reading Importance of Carron highlighted
Watt’s eureka moment on Glasgow Green
Professor Colin McInnes of the University of Glasgow has talked about Watt's "eureka moment", when he came up with his idea to improve the steam engine. The University had a long association with Watt. The engineer and inventor worked from 1756 to 1764 as a mathematical instrument maker to the University. The academic institution has … Continue reading Watt’s eureka moment on Glasgow Green
James Watt 
You must be logged in to post a comment.