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
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Museum set to re-open on November 22
The museum in the town where James Watt was born is set to re-open to the public this month. Inverclyde Council has confirmed that the McLean Museum and Art Gallery in Greenock - part of the Watt Institution - will open its doors at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019. The building has been … Continue reading Museum set to re-open on November 22
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
Riverside exhibition due on November 20
A James Watt-related display at Riverside Museum in Glasgow is due to launch on November 20, 2019. The new exhibition is entitled "Going Green – The Drive for Energy Efficiency". Keep following Glasgow Life, which runs the museum, for updates. You can also read an earlier article, on plans for the display, on this website.
Get some Enlightenment at Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait in Edinburgh - home to a bust of James Watt (and other pieces linked to the inventor) - is staging free gallery tours. The next ones are taking place on Saturday, November 2. A spokesperson said: "To coincide with the bicentenary celebrations of Scottish engineer James Watt, historian Alastair Learmont will … Continue reading Get some Enlightenment at Portrait Gallery
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
Focus on Watt and Smeaton
James Watt's relationship with civil engineer John Smeaton will be the focus of a free talk in Edinburgh this month. Professor Gordon Masterton will present the 2019 Smeaton Lecture - subtitled "Unleashing the power that changed the world" - at the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation in the city's India Street on Wednesday, October 23. The event … Continue reading Focus on Watt and Smeaton
Celebrating science – with a bang – in Watt’s home town
Inverclyde's annual fireworks display in 2019 will have a science theme to mark the achievements of local inventor James Watt. The display will take place on November 2 at Battery Park, Greenock. Fairground rides will be operational from 5.30 p.m. with the fireworks starting at 7 p.m. A post on Inverclyde Council's website says: "Wrap … Continue reading Celebrating science – with a bang – in Watt’s home town
Galoshans Festival celebrates James Watt
One of Greenock's most famous sons - the inventor James Watt - will be celebrated in the area's Galoshans Festival this autumn. The event runs from October 25 to November 1, promising a "vibrant programme of events", celebrating creativity and community spirit. A spokesperson for the organisers said: "The festival combines arts and heritage, centred … Continue reading Galoshans Festival celebrates James Watt
Walk in Watt’s footsteps and go Forth
Two areas associated with James Watt will be stopping off points for free community walks this October. Kinneil Estate in Bo'ness and the area around the former Carron Iron Works in Falkirk will be visited by "Wanderings and Windings" walks, organised by the Inner Forth Futures project. The initiative has been establishing new community trails … Continue reading Walk in Watt’s footsteps and go Forth
