James Watt
(1736-1819)

engineer, inventor, and industrial pioneer

Died aged c. 83

James Watt FRS FRSE (/wɒt/; 30 January 1736 (19 January 1736 OS) – 25 August 1819) was a Scottish inventor, mechanical engineer, and chemist who improved on Thomas Newcomen's 1712 Newcomen steam engine with his Watt steam engine in 1776, which was fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution in both his native Great Britain and the rest of the world. While working as an instrument maker at the University of Glasgow, Watt became interested in the technology of steam engines. He realised that contemporary engine designs wasted a great deal of energy by repeatedly cooling and reheating the cylinder. Watt introduced a design enhancement, the separate condenser, which avoided this waste of energy and radically improved the power, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of steam engines. Eventually, he adapted his engine to produce rotary motion, greatly broadening its use beyond pumping water. Watt attempted to commercialise his invention, but experienced great financial difficulties until he entered a partnership with Matthew Boulton in 1775. The new firm of Boulton and Watt was eventually highly successful and Watt became a wealthy man. In his retirement, Watt continued to develop new inventions though none was as significant as his steam engine work. As Watt developed the concept of horsepower, the SI unit of power, the watt, was named after him.

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Commemorated on 12 plaques

James Watt engineer, inventor and industrial pioneer lived here 1777-1790

Regent Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom where they lived (1777-1790)

Old Bess Engine. Power for the Industrial Revolution. In recognition of James Watt's improvements to the steam engine. 'Old Bess' was built by Boulton and Watt in 1777 and used to power their Soho Manufactory until 1848. this engine was the precursor of much of the power-generating plant on show in the Museum and is the oldest surviving of Watt's engines.

Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7, London, United Kingdom where they built (1777)

Boulton and Watt Engine The world's oldest steam engine still able to perform its original function. Presented to mark the year of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Watt (Engineer) 1736-1819.

Crofton Pumping Station, Crofton, Marlborough, United Kingdom where they co-created this steam engine with Matthew Boulton

Boulton and Watt Engine The oldest rotative steam engine in the world. Built in 1785, it powered Whitbread's London Brewary until 1887. James Watt demonstrated this engine to King George III when he visited the brewary in 1787. This engine marks the start of mass industrialisation and the exponential increase in our use of fossil fuel.

Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia where they built (1785)

Site of James Watt's Smethwick Engine This engine pumped water back up the Smethwick locks from 1779 until 1891

Bridge Street North / Rolfe Street, Smethwick, United Kingdom where they designed

In Buchanan's land on this site James Watt occupied a workshop in 1763.

38 Trongate, G1 5ES, Glasgow, United Kingdom where they occupied a workshop (1763)

James Watt born 1736 - died 1819 this memorial building is erected on the site of his birthplace

William Street (junction with Dalrymple Street), Greenock, United Kingdom where they was born (1736)

Wattilisk sculpture by Vincent Woropay is presented. The sculpture is made of black Indian granite with an Egyptian obelisks and Native American totem poles which associate the surroundings and history of Birmingham, England. It has a surmounted portrait heads and is situated outside the Crown Courts. [full inscription unknown]

Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts - Birmingham Crown Court - Dalton Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom where they is commemorated

James Watt 1736-1819 Inventor of the Condensing Steam Engine Undertook his formative work in this building.

Kinneil Estate, Bo'ness, United Kingdom where they worked

This lodge was the gatehouse to Heathfield Hall, home of James Watt (1736 - 1819) steam engineer, inventor and scientist.

The Lodge - 33 Radnor Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, United Kingdom where they Lived here (1790-1819)

Near this spot in 1776 the first commercial steam engine to design of James Watt 1736-1819 was erected by Boulton and Watt to pump water from Bloomfield Colliery

Angle Ring Company, Bloomfield Road, Tipton, United Kingdom where they was

The-Lodge Gate-Keepers House to the celebrated James Watt 1797

The Lodge - 33 Radnor Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, United Kingdom where they lived near (1790-1819)