Boulton & Watt engine
This Boulton & Watt engine was the first full-sized engine
acquired for the collections and is one of the oldest surviving
beam engines in the world.
The engine was built in 1786 to pump water for the Barclay
& Perkins Brewery in Southwark, London. Made double-acting in
1796, it was then capable of grinding barley and pumping water.
At that time, no one else could supply a steam engine that
performed both these actions at once. With some minor
modifications, it remained in service at the brewery until
1884.
James Watt
James Watt (1736-1819) was a prolific inventor, surveyor,
instrument maker and engineer. His engines dramatically increased
the power that could be generated through steam.
By entering into partnership with the Birmingham magnate Matthew
Boulton in 1774, James Watt was able to channel the vast resource
of Boulton’s Soho Foundry. Their partnership was so successful that
the Boulton & Watt firm supplied engines and expertise to
countries as far a field as Russia and Greece.
After pumping water and grinding barley for almost eighty-seven
years, the engine came out of service in 1883. It is now situated
in our Connect gallery.