A new exhibition on Scottish inventor James Watt is launching this month at Stirling's Engine Shed venue. "James Watt: Power to the World" will run from Thursday, April 25 to Friday, August 23. It promises to "explore the life, work, and legacy of James Watt - and his reinvention of the steam engine". Admission to … Continue reading New exhibition on Watt at Stirling’s Engine Shed
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Discover new book on inventor James Watt
A new book on the life of inventor James Watt is being published next month. "The Power to change the world: James Watt (1736-1819) A Life in 50 Objects", edited by Malcolm Dick and Kate Croft, is out on May 10. Publishers History West Midlands say the book charts a "fascinating, complicated and iconic figure". You … Continue reading Discover new book on inventor James Watt
Booklet highlights Watt events around Birmingham in 2019
Special events are taking place around Birmingham in 2019 to celebrate the life of James Watt. Download a brochure here (PDF, 3MB). The 18th-century Scottish inventor moved to the English Midlands at the age of 38 to work with industrialist Matthew Boulton. Watt died on August 19, 1819, at his home “Heathfield” in the Handsworth area … Continue reading Booklet highlights Watt events around Birmingham in 2019
Council registers Watt tartan
Inverclyde Council has registered a special commemorative tartan to celebrate the life and legacy of Greenock-born inventor James Watt. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Watt's death. The tartan has been created as part of a series of celebrations in the Inverclyde area. An entry on Scottish Register of Tartans says: "The James Watt tartan … Continue reading Council registers Watt tartan
See “Power and Processes” exhibition
James Watt's improved steam engine was initially used to pump water out of mines. However, by the 1780s the technology was applied to power machines, enabling the rapid development of efficient, semi-automated factories. Watt's influence on the textiles industry is being celebrated in a new exhibition called "Power and Processes" hosted by Heriot-Watt University. The … Continue reading See “Power and Processes” exhibition
Visit the House that welcomed James Watt
Historic Kinneil House in Bo'ness - which boasts a James Watt workshop in its grounds - is hosting a free open event this Saturday, March 23, 2019. The Friends of Kinneil charity has teamed up with Historic Environment Scotland to run free tours inside the mansion, which dates back to the 16th century and boasts … Continue reading Visit the House that welcomed James Watt
Full steam ahead for event at Engine Shed
It's 250 years since James Watt patented his idea of using a separate condenser to drive a steam engine. The Scottish Transport and Industrial Collections Knowledge Network - or STICK - is celebrating the achievement at a mini-conference at The Engine Shed venue in Stirling this spring. "Watt A Great Idea!" - subtitled "250 years … Continue reading Full steam ahead for event at Engine Shed
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
Watt, Smith and Adam to feature in exhibition
Key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment - including inventor James Watt, economist Adam Smith and architect Robert Adam - will feature in a new exhibition at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. "Northern Lights" will highlight the amazing achievements of a "diverse" array of key players in the 18th century. The Scotsman reports that … Continue reading Watt, Smith and Adam to feature in exhibition
Watt’s engines help create concert
Musician turned "sonic artist" Bobby Bird is using the sounds of James Watt's steam engines to create "immersive" surround sound performances. His composition, "Watt's Orbit", was first performed in 2016. He's now updating the work for 2019, the 200th anniversary of Watt's death. Previous performances have earned rave reviews. One resident said: "I felt as … Continue reading Watt’s engines help create concert
