Georgian Christmas tours are running at Soho House, Birmingham - once home to Watt's business partner, Matthew Boulton. Visit the Soho House website for more details. The House currently operates as a museum and is open throughout the year. This video will tell you more about the site.
Watt experts cross the borders
Leading experts on James Watt have been crossing the English/Scottish border - just like the great man himself. Chris Rice, who has been leading the development of the Watt 2019 celebrations around Birmingham, was in Scotland recently to visit a number of Watt-related sites - including Kinneil Estate in Bo'ness, which boasts the remains of … Continue reading Watt experts cross the borders
Golden statue of Watt to stay in storage until 2020
The iconic statue of James Watt and his associates Matthew Boulton and William Murdoch is set to stay in storage until the autumn of 2020. The golden sculpture used to be on display in Broad Street, in the centre of Watt's adopted city of Birmingham. However, it was removed in 2017 to allow for extension … Continue reading Golden statue of Watt to stay in storage until 2020
Watt exhibition ends on November 2
A major exhibition on inventor James Watt is coming to a close. "Watt In The World" ends its run at the Library of Birmingham on November 2. Admission is free of charge. Get more information on the Birmingham City Council website. You can also read more about the exhibition on this website. The exhibition was set … Continue reading Watt exhibition ends on November 2
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
Sound and light show at Soho House
History fans can experience a sound and light show at Soho House, the Birmingham mansion of James Watt's business partner Matthew Boulton. The building now operates as a museum. The show, on October 12, has been organised by Legacy WM. Book tickets, priced £6 each, via Eventbrite. Watt and Boulton were both members of the Lunar … Continue reading Sound and light show at Soho House
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
New Watt book out on September 30
A new book on inventor James Watt is being published on September 30. "James Watt (1736-1819)" has been edited by Caroline Archer-Parré and Malcolm Dick. The publisher, Liverpool University Press, describes it as "essential in celebrating Watt's pivotal work", offering "new perspectives of Watts’ work in terms of context and his influences". A spokesperson for … Continue reading New Watt book out on September 30
Research explores links to slavery
The latest History West Midlands podcast features an interview with Dr Stephen Mullen from the University of Glasgow. His research reveals a dark side to the story of James Watt and his family. Dr Mullen claims the Watts were not only complicit in the slave trade - they participated directly and benefited extensively from the … Continue reading Research explores links to slavery
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