About

The names of Matthew Boulton and James Watt are synonymous with the development of the Steam Engine. In 1795 they commissioned the construction of Soho Foundry in order to build all the components of steam engines. The Soho Foundry became one of the great establishments of the industrial age building pumping engines, power engines and marine engines including the screw engine for Brunel’s ‘Great Eastern’.

Over the decades the Foundry has evolved with the James Watt & Company maintaining a presence into the 20th century. In 1895 W & T Avery the great weighing machine company bought the site and transformed it. Since then, the foundry has grown coping with two wars, shipping disasters and changing technology.

This presentation traces a remarkable and unique history of a legendary establishment. With stunning period images and evocative music Andrew resplendent in 18th century costume relives the history of Vulcan’s Temple.