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Birmingham's Most Famous Partnership

Matthew Boulton and James Watt are two of the greatest figures in Birmingham's history. Together they changed the nature of manufacturing and industry forever.

Watt's improved steam engine was much more powerful and efficient than previous designs. Boulton realised the engine's potential and used his drive and business skill to sell it as widely as possible. It powered the industrial revolution, and when Watt retired in 1800, hundreds of his engines were at work in Britain and abroad.

Left: Matthew Boulton (1728-1809)

Above: The Soho Manufactory, 1760s

Yet there was much more to these men than steam engines. Both had long careers, wide business and scientific interests, and families. Their achievements and failures, home lives, travels, friends and opponents are described in rich detail in the records they left behind.Now collected together as the 'Archives of Soho', named after Boulton's Soho Manufactory, the records are open to all. Here you will find everything, from factory management to attitudes to slavery, and from chimneysweeps to businesswomen. Exploring Boulton and Watt's world opens a window on every aspect of 18th and 19th century life.

The Archives of Soho, held by Birmingham City Archives, have been catalogued by the Archives of Soho Project. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham Assay Office Charitable Trust.

Right: James Watt (1736-1819)


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Birmingham's Most Famous Partnership

Matthew Boulton and James Watt are two of the greatest figures in Birmingham's history. Together they changed the nature of manufacturing and industry forever.

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