Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Birmingham > Area > Soho
James Watts prototype steam engine Old Bess, c1778
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
James Watts prototype steam engine Old Bess, c1778
James Watts prototype steam engine Old Bess, c1778. Scottish engineer and inventor Watt (1736-1819) formed a successful partnership with the entrepreneur Matthew Boulton in 1775, building steam engines to power mills, factories and mines. Watts designs with a separate condenser were more efficient than earlier steam engines. In this engine, which was erected at the Soho works, Birmingham, England, in 1777-1778, reciprocating motion was turned into rotary motion by a sun-and-planet gear train
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14865123
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Boulton Engineering Industrial Revolution Invention James Watt Matthew Matthew Boulton Oxford Science Archive Power Prototype Steam Steam Engine Steam Power Watt Gearing
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> Matthew Black
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Birmingham
> Area
> Soho
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Birmingham
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Oxford
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Posters
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Related Images
> Historic
> Famous inventors and scientists
> James Watt
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic James Watt's prototype steam engine, Old Bess, dating back to 1778. James Watt, a renowned Scottish engineer and inventor, joined forces with entrepreneur Matthew Boulton in 1775 to revolutionize the industrial landscape by constructing powerful steam engines for mills, factories, and mines. What set Watts' designs apart was his innovative inclusion of a separate condenser that significantly enhanced efficiency compared to earlier models. The image captures this remarkable engine erected at the Soho works in Birmingham, England between 1777-1778. It beautifully illustrates how reciprocating motion is ingeniously transformed into rotary motion through a sun-and-planet gear train mechanism. This groundbreaking invention symbolizes the essence of engineering brilliance during the Industrial Revolution. With its monochrome aesthetic and intricate detailing engraved on metal plates, this print transports us back to Britain's eighteenth-century scientific advancements. The significance of Old Bess lies not only in its mechanical prowess but also as an embodiment of progress and ingenuity that shaped our modern world. Preserved within this photograph is the legacy of two visionaries - James Watt and Matthew Boulton - who forever altered the course of history through their contributions to science and industry. As we gaze upon this striking image from Heritage Images' collection curated by Oxford Science Archive, we are reminded of their pioneering spirit that continues to inspire generations even today.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
