Watt Bicentenary Exhibition at the Science Museum

Abstract

A SPECIAL exhibition was opened at the Science Museum, South Kensington, on December 20 to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth at Greenock on January 19, 1736, of James Watt, the famous engineer and inventor. The exhibition will remain open until April 19. Many objects of particular interest are being shown, including three original beam engines, two of which were erected in Soho Manufactory in 1777 and 1788 respectively and the third in London in 1797, and various original experimental models, including the separate condensers of 1765 which led to his most important contribution to the development of the steam engine. The Garret Workshop, where Watt frequently worked from 1790 until his death in 1819, and which was moved with its contents from Heathfield Hall near Birmingham to the Science Museum in 1924 for permanent preservation, is on view. A large number of drawings, some by Watt himself, have been lent by the Birmingham Public Libraries Committee and form a detailed survey of the progress in steam engine design from 1775 until 1800, the period of Watt's partnership with Boulton. Numerous portraits of Watt, Boulton and their scientific friends have been generously lent for the occasion by the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Society, the City of Birmingham Art Gallery and others. About one hundred letters between Watt and Boulton have been selected from the voluminous correspondence preserved at the Assay Office, Birmingham, which gives an intimate picture of Watt's difficulties and achievements. Some of the memorials and books written on the life and work of Watt are exhibited also. Catalogues of the Memorial Exhibition, the Garret Workshop and the Stationary Engines Collection are on sale in the Science Museum. Special Bicentenary Lectures are being given by the guide lecturer in the lecture theatre and the gallery on various days during the period of the exhibition. Particulars can be obtained on application.