Come to Thinktank and find out about some of James Watt's inventions. Take part in our interactive science show and hands on activities to discover his legacy.
On Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August, Claymills Pumping Station will be firing up the Lancashire boilers. Come and see 3 giant beam engines, each 5 storeys high, in action.
Come and see two ornate James Watt & Co beam engines in steam and take the opportunity to see the pumping station’s brick vaulted underground reservoir. Sun 25 Aug and Mon 26 Aug.
On Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August, the Waterworks Museum will celebrate the life and work of the great inventor and steam pioneer James Watt.
Come and design incredible inventions inspired by the life of James Watt, his Lunar Society friends and the Summer Reading Challenge which celebrates the moon landings 50 years ago.
This 2 day conference at the University of Birmingham will highlight recent research about James Watt. Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
A rare opportunity to join archivist Fiona Tait behind the scenes at Birmingham Archives and view original documents from the James Watt Archive Collection.
Join Ben Russell, curator of Mechanical Engineering, as he explores the contents of James Watt’s workshop preserved at the Science Museum London
Combine a visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station with a walk along the canal to the site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine, now preserved at Thinktank.
NEW DATE Meet model maker David Hulse and hear how he built the scale model steam engine on display in the exhibition.
Come to Soho House and create lunar pastels. Find out more about Watt’s friendships with other Lunar Society members.
Harper’s Hill was James Watt’s first family home in Birmingham. This illustrated talk reveals its history using maps and archive material from the James Watt and Family Papers.
FULLY BOOKED. Visit the remains of Ecton Copper Mine in Staffordshire. A Boulton & Watt steam engine was installed here in 1788, the engine house survives. Also 21 September.
Combine a visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station with a walk along the canal to the site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine, now preserved at Thinktank.
FULLY BOOKED. Join the friends of St Mary’s church and discover the stories behind its many memorials, including a large statue of James Watt.
Sonic artist Bobby Bird aka Higher Intelligence Agency will give an immersive live surround sound performance of his composition Watt’s Orbit in St Paul’s Church
Designed by Samuel Wyatt, Heathfiled House was completed in 1790. Join Rita McLean to hear about the influential Wyatt dynasty and their many connections with Boulton and Watt enterprises.
James Watt was one of the first Wardens of the Birmingham Assay Office, established in 1773. To celebrate Watt 2019 the Assay Office is opening the doors to its important private collections.
FULLY BOOKED. ADDITIONAL TOUR AT 11 AM. James Watt was one of the first Wardens of the Birmingham Assay Office, established in 1773. To celebrate Watt 2019 the Assay Office is opening the doors to its important private collections.
Combine a visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station with a walk along the canal to the site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine, now preserved at Thinktank.
Be amazed by this spectacle of light and images projected onto Soho House against the night sky.
FULLY BOOKED Join the friends of St Mary’s church and discover the stories behind its many memorials, including a large statue of James Watt.
Geology was one of James Watt’s many interests and letters about the Lickey Hills are in the Watt archive. This walk will explore the geology of these much loved hills.
An interactive drop-in session with live demos of 3D scanning and 3D printing. Get yourself 3D scanned and maybe even get a mini-3D selfie made!
An exciting make and take activity for creative geniuses inspired by James Watt’s copying inventions.
The Smethwick engine is the oldest steam engine in the world.
See it in action.
It is not much known that in his early career James Watt made and sold musical instruments. He was also, reputedly, tone-deaf. Hear about his instrument making, from violins, guitars and flutes to small chamber organs.
Join in and help the Birmingham Trees for Life Team as they plant trees in Handsworth Park.
This talk will look at James Watt not just as an engineer but as a friend, an inventor, a father, a husband, and a sometimes anxious genius.
Combine a visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station with a walk along the canal to the site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine, now preserved at Thinktank.
This talk will provide an insight into the problems encountered with some of Watt’s early commercial steam engines. Hear about troubles at Ecton Copper Mine (Staffordshire) and Chester flour mill.
Come along to Soho House and be inspired by James Watt. Imagine, think and build big structures in the garden with mega blocks of Imagination Playground
This weekend the 1820 Boulton and Watt rotative engine will be in steam, still driving the machinery for which it was installed in 1857.
FULLY BOOKED. Join blue badge guide Diana Perowne for a walking tour around Birmingham city centre taking in historic sites associated with the Lunar Society.
Visit the remains of Ecton Copper Mine in Staffordshire. A Boulton & Watt steam engine was installed here in 1788, the engine house survives. Also 14 August.
To commemorate James Watt’s life, Etruria Industrial Museum will be offering a series of James Watt lectures on Wed 31 July, Thu 1 Aug and Fri 2 Aug
Come along to Soho House and take part in some hands on Crazy Science inspired by James Watt’s experiments. Bring a picnic and relax in the garden afterwards.
The Smethwick engine is the oldest steam engine in the world.
See it in action.
Be ingenious, imaginative and inspired and create the next ‘must have’ invention.
FULLY BOOKED. Harper’s Hill was James Watt’s first family home in Birmingham. This illustrated talk reveals its history using maps and archive material from the James Watt and Family Papers.
Visit the remains of Ecton Copper Mine in Staffordshire. A Boulton & Watt steam engine was installed here in 1788, the engine house survives.
Hear about the life of James Watt Jnr; his work for the Boulton and Watt firm, how he protected his father’s legacy and the task of furnishing Aston Hall.
Combine a visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station with a walk along the canal to the site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine, now preserved at Thinktank.
Come along every weekend in July for a James Watt themed family Lego session at Thinktank. Sessions are 45 minutes and start at 12.30 1.30 or 3.30.
FULLY BOOKED. Join blue badge guide Diana Perowne for a walking tour taking in historic sites associated with the Lunar Society.
Visit the remains of Ecton Copper Mine in Staffordshire. A Boulton & Watt steam engine was installed here in 1788, the engine house survives. Also 17 July.
Meet sound artist Bobby Bird who will be in residence at Vivid Projects preparing new recordings of the Smethwick Engine for a full scale concert at St Paul’s.
This talk is an introduction to James Watt's life, his family and his social/intellectual networks
Research into the Watt family papers has shed some light on James Watt’s private life. This talk will look at relationships with his wives Peggy and Ann, his son Gregory and daughter Margaret.
Explore Science and Inventions on the site where James Watt lived over 200 years ago.
On Thursdays in June, discover hidden Handsworth with a walking tour that explores this diverse area and investigates Watt’s decision to relocate here.
Enjoy a James Watt themed guided tour of Soho house. The tours are repeated every Wednesday and Thursday in June.
FULLY BOOKED. This talk will examine the Lunar Society in the context of the wider European Enlightenment movement
Make your way to the Science Museum, London, for a guided tour of Watt’s Workshop filled with over 8000 original objects dating back to Watt’s time.
A special evening concert of music and readings from the life and times of James Watt, followed by a drinks reception.
Hear about the development of Victorian cemeteries and the memorials erected for James Watt in Birmingham and beyond.
St Paul’s church will be celebrating in floral arrangements the life and achievements of James Watt. The church will be open on Fri 14, Sat 15 and Sun 16 June. Opening times vary.
Combine a visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station with a walk along the canal to the site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine, now preserved at Thinktank.
