The
Hidden Lives of Boulton and Watt
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Matthew Boulton and James Watt's contributions to science, manufacturing
and the Lunar Society are famous. Other aspects of their lives
are often ignored, yet both men devoted great energy to domestic
affairs.
| Boulton created
the picturesque estate around Soho House, and Watt provided
a tranquil home for his family and his own retirement. Their
children, especially Matthew Robinson Boulton, Ann Boulton and
James Watt Junior inherited not only their father's business
interests but also their passion for elegant surroundings. |
Left: James Watt attributed to John Henning
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These 'hidden lives'
of the Boulton and Watt families are well recourded in their papers,
now held in Birmingham City Archives. These papers also recourd the
lives and experiences of people otherwise unknown to history, whom
Boulton and Watt came into contact with: house keepers, butlers, servants,
gardeners, farm workers, coachmen, grooms, builders, architects, furniture
designers, workmen, local tradesmen and women, employees ranging from
agents, clerks and book-keepers to smiths and engine fitters and many
more.
This exhibition draws upon these
remarkable collections to illustrate the domestic lives of
Birmingham's most celebrated industrialists. Farming, gardening,
interior design, travel, school days - the world of Soho is
revealed, and within Matthew Boulton and James Watt's talents
appear ever more wide-ranging. |
Right: Portrait of Matthew Boulton by L.F. Abbott |
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| 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. |
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