Digital Handsworth - Exhibition

Boulton's reputation was established over a decade before he became partners with Watt, through the manufacture of buttons, buckles, silverware and other decorative items, which he sold all across Europe.

Right: Design for a Medal struck at the Soho Mint

Through Boulton’s efforts Birmingham was granted its own
Assay Office in 1773, allowing locally-made silverware to be
stamped in the city. His greatest achievement was considered
to be his invention of steam-powered coining machinery,
designed to prevent the counterfeiting of money.

Left: Silverware Designs
produced by Boulton & Fothergill

Boulton's magnificent Soho Manufactory at Handsworth was built in the 1760s and regarded as one of the wonders of the age. It was also the site of his coining operation, Soho Mint, and his home, Soho House.

Soho House was also the venue for meetings of the Lunar Society, a group of intellectuals, scientists and industrialists of which Boulton and Watt were leading lights. Other members included Erasmus Darwin Joseph Priestley, and Josiah Wedgwood.

In 1768 Matthew Boulton first met James Watt and his idea for the improved steam engine. They sealed their business partnership in 1775.

Matthew Boulton - Entrepreneur

Matthew Boulton was a man of many parts. His family papers describe a lively home,
intricate businesses and an active social life.

Left: Silverware Designs
produced by Boulton & Fothergill

Right: Account for Taxable Horses at Soho, 1796-97

The Matthew Boulton Papers are the private and business records of Matthew Boulton and his successors. They contain
family correspondence with a wide range of people, detailed household and estate records, and records of various
Soho firms.

Main Page

General

Hidden Lives

International

Matthew Boulton - Entrepreneur

Matthew Boulton was a man of many parts. His family papers describe a lively home, intricate businesses and an active social life.

Left: Silverware Designs produced by Boulton & Fothergill

Right: Account for Taxable Horses at Soho, 1796-97

The Matthew Boulton Papers are the private and business records of Matthew Boulton and his successors. They contain family correspondence with a wide range of people, detailed household and estate records, and records of various Soho firms.

Main Page

General

Hidden Lives

International

Matthew Boulton was a man of many parts. His family papers describe a lively home,
intricate businesses and an active social life.

Left: Silverware Designs
produced by Boulton & Fothergill

The Matthew Boulton Papers are the private and business records of Matthew Boulton and his successors. They contain
family correspondence with a wide range of people, detailed household and estate records, and records of various
Soho firms.