Watt a Great Idea! 250 years of ethically curating, interpreting and operating Watt engines, and the STICK Annual General Meeting

James Watt’s separate condenser made the steam engine efficient and thus influential in world history, with repercussions to this day. Instrument-maker James Watt had struggled with a Newcomen engine owned by the University of Glasgow. He came up with the idea of the separate condenser, which was patented on 25th April 1769 - 250 years ago. His invention would revolutionise industry, society, and the economy world-wide.

Join the Scottish Transport and Industrial Collections Knowledge Network (STICK) for its spring event ‘Watt a Great Idea’, celebrating 250 years of the separate condenser. Hear from expert speakers about changing the interpretation and presentation of steam engine history and technology, and debate the conservation and ethical issues involved in the operation of historic Boulton and Watt engines.

The cost of this event is £25 per person, paid on entry.

Running Order

09.45 Arrive: coffee/ tea. View exhibitions

10.30 Welcome

10:45 Kate Bowell, Edinburgh University From 'indifferent' to 'illustrious,' the narrative of a Boulton & Watt beam engine at the National Museum of Scotland.

11:15 Jim Mitchell, Industrial Heritage Consulting Ltd Some challenges in conserving a Boulton & Watt Engine.

11:45 Ben Russell, Science Museum A curator at the height of his powers: HW Dickinson and James Watt, 1919-1930.

12.30 Lunch: will be provided and time to view exhibitions

13.20 STICK Annual General Meeting

13.45 John Hume James Watt: Hero or Superhero?

14.30 Watt?! No More Hot Air! In this Balloon Debate, James Watt and other notable inventors are in a hot air balloon, but it is losing height. Who will be thrown out of the balloon first?! You decide!

15.30 Conclusion

Balloon Debate: Watt?! No More Hot Air!

In this debate after lunch, James Watt and other notable inventors are in a hot air balloon, plummeting towards the earth. Who will be thrown out of the balloon first?! If you’d like to be a notable inventor in the Balloon Debate, please get in touch.

James Watt: Power to the People

Why not explore the brand new exhibition at our venue. ‘James Watt: Power to the People’ will launch at the Engine Shed, Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre, on 25th April 2019.

STICK AGM

Whilst this event is open to all, we will also be holding our STICK AGM. Non-members are welcome, and we are actively seeking new committee members at STICK. If you are interested in being nominated to the committee at the AGM, please make yourself known to the event organisers on the day for a nomination form.

Full details of the day, including timings, will follow.

Please note that the cost for this event is £25, to be paid upon entry. This includes morning refreshments and lunch. Cash payments only. Please bring correct money.