James Watt died on 25th August 1819 and 2019 is the bicentenary year of his death.

A major exhibition (12 July to 31 October) will explore his life and achievements while a wide range of events will take place throughout the year at the Library of Birmingham. Look out for upcoming events.

Website: www.jameswatt2019.org

Event:'An Introduction to the Papers of James Watt and Family'

Date: Saturday 9 March 2019

Time: 1:00pm to 3.30pm

Cost: £5.00 per ticket (available via website)

Join archivist Fiona Tait for an afternoon looking at the James Watt Archives. After an introductory talk there will be time to look at some of Watt's letters, drawings, maps, notebooks and family papers. Material on display is original and you will be able to read Watt’s thoughts and ideas in his own hand and see his sketches and scribbled notes about major innovations and discoveries.

Fiona Tait worked as an archivist for Birmingham City Council for thirty years and recently retired. She was appointed to the Archives of Soho Project in 2000 to re-catalogue the papers of James Watt and Family and has retained a particular interest in all things related to James Watt.

Article posted on 27 February 2019