Watt Collection (#6)

James Watts (1736-1819) prototype steam engine Old Bess c1778. In this engine, which was erected at the Soho works, Birmingham, England, in 1777-1778

Matthew Boulton, front, (1728-1809) English engineer and industrialist, and James Watt (1736-1818) Scottish engineer and inventor, from a medal celebrating their partnership

Matthew Boulton (1728-1809). English industrialist. Partner of James Watt. Engraving after portrait by Beechy

Steam engine by James Watt (1736-1819) showing sun-and-planet gear converting up-and-down motion of beam to rotary motion for driving machinery. From card published London 1915. Chromolithograph

Albion Mills, on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge, burning, 3 March 1791, after set alight by arsonists. Built by Boulton and Watt, it was first steam-powered flour mill in London

Comet, Henry Bells steam boat of 1811. 40ft long, powered by a 3 horse power Boulton & Watt engine. Carried passengers on Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock, Scotland. Tinted lithograph, 1856

The Tale of a Tea-kettle. James Watt as a boy watching the kettle boiling in the fire. Watt (1736-1819) made great improvements to the steam engine

James Watts workshop at Heathfield Hall, Birmingham, 1886. It had not been disturbed since his death in 1819. Watt (1736-1819) made great improvements to the steam engine

Birthplace of James Watt shortly before it was demolished in 1887. Watt (1736-1819), Scottish engineer and inventor, was born at Greenock on the Clyde, Scotland

James Watt, Scottish engineer and inventor. Watt (1736-1819) made great improvements to the steam engine, one of the most significant being the separate condenser

James Watt, Scottish engineer and inventor. Watt (1736-1819) made great improvements in the steam engine, one of the most significant being the separate condenser

Joseph Black visiting James Watt in his Glasgow workshop, c1760. Artists impression of Joseph Black (1729-1799), Scottish chemist, visiting James Watt (1736-1819), Scottish inventor and engineer

James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer. Watt repairing a Newcomen syeam engine. After the picture by Marcus Stone

James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish engineer and inventor. Condensing steam engine. Portrait from commemorative medal

Model of Newcomen steam engine. It was while repairing this engine that Watt is said to have invented the separate condenser. From George Williamson Memorials of James Watt 1856. Lithograph

James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish engineer. Engraving after picture of 1803 by John Henning. Profile

James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish mechanical engineer and inventor depicted at the fireside collecting steam from a kettle. Nineteenth century Japanese educational print. Technology Discovery Invention

The Peasants Revolt of 1381in England began in Brentwood, Essex as a protest at the collection of poll tax and reached a climax at Smithfield, London

Watt and the Kettle. David Neal

Watts governor on a steam engine. Photographed in Torre del Mar, Spain

Jouffroy Presents His Steamship Proposals
The Marquis Claude Jouffroy d Abbans presenting his proposals for a steam-powered vessel to a meeting called by the Marquis Ducrest in the 1770 s

Trial Run of First Successful Steamboat
James Watts improvements to steam engines led to attempts to use them in boats, particularly in France. In 1783, The Marquis Claude Jouffroy, demonstrated the first successful steamboat

WATT, James (1736-1819). Portrait of James Watt. Engraving

Watt as a Boy (Stone)
JAMES WATT engineer, as a boy, discerning possibilities in a kettle Date: 1736 - 1819

WASHINGTON: HEADQUARTERS. Old Kennedy house (General George Washingtons headquarters) and Watts Mansion at Bowling Green, New York City, 1776. Wood engraving, 1876

JAMES WATT: TOMB, 1819. Tomb of James Watt at Handsworth Church, Staffordshire, England. Line engraving, 19th century

JAMES WATT: WORKSHOP. James Watts workshop at home. Line engraving, 19th century

CAPTURE OF SANTA FE, 1846. Brigadier-General Stephen Watts Kearny capturing Santa Fe, New Mexico, 18 August 1846, during the Mexican-American War. Wood engraving, 19th century

JAMES WATT (1736-1819). Watt and fellow members of the Lunas Society meeting at Watts home at Heathfield Hall, near Birmingham: French colored engraving, 19th century

ISaC WATTS (1674-1748). English theologian and humn writer. Steel engraving, English, 19th century

STEAMSHIP: SCREW ENGINES. The screw engines designed by James Watt & Co. for Isambard Kingdom Brunels Great Eastern steamship, the largest in the world at the time of its 1858 launching

JAMES WATT (1736-1819). Steel engraving after the painting by Sir William Beechy

ISaC WATTS (1674-1748). English theologian and hymn writer: stipple engraving, English, 1815

JAMES WATT (1736-1819). Scottish mechanical engineer and inventor. Watt and fellow members of the Lunar Society meeting at Watts home at Heathfield Hall, near Birmingham: wood engraving, French

JAMES WATT (1736-1819). Scottish engineer and inventor. Performing his first experiment with steam while still a boy: engraving, 19th century, after the painting by Marcus Stone

SOHO ENGINEERING WORKS at Birmingham, England, where James Watt (1736-1819) and his partner, Matthew Boulton (1728-1809), manufactured steam engines from 1775 to 1800. French engraving, 19th century

SOHO ENGINEERING WORKS. Soho Engineering Works at Birmingham, England, where James Watt (1736-1819) and his partner, Matthew Boulton (1728-1809), manufactured steam engines from 1775 to 1800

JAMES WATT (1736-1819). Scottish engineer and inventor. Stipple engraving after a painting by Sir William Beechy

James Watt, inventor of the steam engine. Japanese print shows Watt collecting steam from a boiling kettle while his aunt rebukes him for his nonsense. Date between 1850 and 1900

Steam engine for the Hon Lord Penrhyn, Jamaica
Plan of a steam engine for the Ho Lord Penryn, Jamaica Date: 1796

Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Watt(1892-1973), inventor of radar. Date: 1941

The steam yacht Caledonia, engineering drawing, 1819 Date: 1819

Watts centrifugal steam engine governor
Watts centrifugal governor. Artwork of the centrifugal governor developed in 1788 by the British engineer James Watt (1736-1819)

Watts engine

Watts rotary engine. Historical artwork of part of a steam engine designed by the British engineer James Watt (1736-1819)

Electric light bulbs, different voltages
Electric light bulbs glowing with different levels of brightness. The brightness of an electric light bulb is determined by the amount of electrical current flowing through it

James Watt (1736-1819)

Portrait of James Watt (1736-1819) after a portrait by Carl Frederik von Breda. Scottish engineer & inventor, Watt made numerous practical improvements to the steam engine of his day

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"Watt: The Powerhouse Inventor and His Impact on History" James Watt, a Scottish engineer and inventor, revolutionized the world with his groundbreaking contributions. Known for his work on the steam engine and governor, he played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. One of Watt's notable achievements was his collaboration with Matthew Boulton to create the Boulton and Watt steam engine. This remarkable invention incorporated a planetary gear system that enhanced its efficiency and power output. A general view of this impressive machine showcases its grandeur and technological advancements. Watt's brilliance extended beyond engineering as he became an influential member of the Lunar Society, a group of intellectuals who met regularly to discuss scientific discoveries and promote progress. Their intellectual vigils paved the way for numerous innovations that shaped society. In John Pettie's painting "The Vigil, " we catch a glimpse into one such gathering where minds like Watt gathered to exchange ideas, fueling their passion for knowledge. These gatherings were instrumental in fostering creativity and driving societal change. While known for his engineering prowess, James it also had diverse interests outside of his workshop. He enjoyed golfing at Harewood Downs, indulging in leisurely games alongside fellow enthusiasts wielding their golf clubs. This recreational pursuit provided him with moments of respite from his tireless inventions. Watt's impact stretched far beyond England; even Chatsworth House in Derbyshire bears witness to it. In 1786, W. Watts captured this magnificent seat belonging to the Duke of Devonshire through an intricate line engraving—a testament to both architectural beauty and industrial progress intertwined under Watt's influence. His dedication knew no bounds as he tirelessly improved upon Thomas Newcomen's earlier design from 1712 while working in his Glasgow workshop—an endeavor that would forever transform steam technology. Beyond inventions lies human connection—such as Samuel Watts' involvement with Tuskegee Airmen during World War II—a group of African-American pilots who defied racial barriers and fought with valor.