Tag Archives: birmingham history

Matthew Boulton: Early Life and Career If you’re from Birmingham, you’ve most likely heard the name Matthew Boulton before. At least I’d hope so! Boulton is perhaps one of the most influential figures in Brum’s history. Born in 1728, he left an undeniable mark on Birmingham as an inventor, engineer, and silversmith. Boulton is best known for his partnership with the Scottish engineer/inventor, James Watt. Watt developed one of the first steam engines that was commercially available. This was bankrolled by Boulton who also worked in partnership with Watts. This invention was instrumental in setting the foundation for the Industrial Revolution, and its impact cannot be denied. Moreover, Watt is the mind behind the concept of horsepower, the International System of Units, and the watt is named after him. Among other things, Boulton was also involved with coinage, establishing the Soho Mint in 1788. He also was a founding member of the Lunar Society – a group formed in Birmingham as a result of the Age of Enlightenment. And finally, he was an active supporter of the community, keeping a pew at St Paul’s Church (just down the road from us at Fellows!), and financing theatre and music groups throughout the city. Understandably, Boulton’s partnership with Watt meant that he was considered a world-famous figure during his lifetime. While James Watt has ultimately been credited for the development of the steam engine that paved the way for the Industrial Revolution – this would not have been possible without Matthew Boulton’s support, both financial and entrepreneurial. Both men were featured on the series F £50 note. However, Boulton was not satisfied with making just one name for himself. Alongside these impressive endeavours, Boulton also played a significant role in silversmithing circles. Silversmithing Surprisingly, Boulton didn’t formally train as a silversmith. His father was a toymaker and a silver stamper who specialised in small silver items such as shoe buckles. After his father died, Boulton inherited the family business. Using the capital he had accumulated through his marriages and his father’s inheritance, Boulton set his sights on growing the business. Firstly, he invested in 13 acres of land. Then a house for him and his relatives, Soho House, located in Handsworth. The house is now a museum managed by Birmingham Museums Trust. As well as a mill which he transformed into the Soho Manufactory. Here, Boulton started producing larger silver items than his father previously had, including decorative objects. It was actually at Soho that the first working steam engine was installed by James Watt. Boulton began to produce Sheffield plate in 1762, quickly becoming one of the largest producers in the country. By 1765, the company began to work with solid silver, expanding their repertoire to include objects d’art. One of the biggest difficulties that Boulton faced when growing his company was the lack of an assay office in Birmingham. During this time he would have to send his wares to either Chester or London in order to be assayed. As such, Boulton petitioned Parliament for the establishment of assay offices in both Birmingham and Sheffield. Although opposed by London silversmiths, his petition was passed in 1773. In our upcoming Silver & Plated Ware Auction, we have a stunning example from Boulton’s company. Although hallmarked for Birmingham 1820 – 11 years after Boulton passed away, the Matthew Boulton and Plate Company continued to use his maker’s marks until 1832. Matthew Boulton Silver at Auction Lot 61 An impressive Regency silver epergne by Matthew Boulton. Price Realised: £5,850.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator