In 1774 Watt arrived in Birmingham where he went in partnership with Matthew Boulton. Together they dominated the design and production of powerful steam engines for some twenty years. But why was Watt attracted to Birmingham, the town and its folks? Jim Andrew will look at the advantages offered to Watt by Birmingham Society and the many innovations that brought him lasting fame.

Jim Andrew is an engineer who joined Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry in 1974. He co-led the excavation of the Smethwick Engine, the world’s oldest working steam engine, now on display at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. His PhD research focussed on Boulton & Watt’s canal pumping engines and their effect on the canal system

Cost: £3 on the door

This event is organised by the Birmingham and Warwickshire Archaeological Society.