Contrary to popular belief at the time, Watt did not discover the principle of steam condensation while watching a steam kettle as a boy. However, many artists "re-create" the scene anyway. The painting shown here is called "Watt Discovering the Condensation of Steam."
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This painting shows another version of Watt's "discovery."
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In this painting Watt is depicted as discovering the principle of condensation while observing a teakettle in his aunt's house.
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In this etching Watt is shown studying the model of the Newcomen engine he was asked to repair.
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This etching shows Watt in his later years. By the time he retired, he was wealthy man, although he had spent most of his life struggling for money. In 1882 the president of the British Association proposed that Watt's name be added to the dictionary as a unit of power. In his proposal the president said, "The other unit I would suggest adding to the list is that of power. It might appropriately be called a Watt, in honor of that master mind of mechanical science, James Watt."
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This portrait shows Watt with the patent drawings for one of his engines.
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Watt moved to Birmingham, England, with his two children in 1774, shortly after his first wife, Margaret Miller Watt, died. In 1776 Watt married Ann MacGregor. Together they had two more children. Only Watt's oldest son, James, lived past the age of 30.
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This painting shows Matthew Boulton, Watt's business partner. Watt and Boulton first met in the summer of 1768. At the time Boulton was already a successful industrialist. Watt and Boulton continued to work as partners for the rest of their lives.
