Manufacturer, Engineer. Improver with James Watt of the steam-engine. He was born in Birmingham where his father was a manufacturer of metal articles of various kinds. To this buisness he succedded on his father's death in 1759. He undertook the reproduction of oil paintings by a mechanical process, as well as the manfacture of artistic objects in metal. He established a strong reputation as a craftsman. His works at Soho, Birmingham were widely known for excellent workmanship. In 1767, Boulton, who was finding the need of improving the power supply for his machinery, made the acquaintance of James Watt, who on his side appreciated the advantages offered by the Soho works for the development of his steam-engine. Boulton and Watt formally entered into partnership, and it was mainly through the energy and self-sacrifice of the former who devoted all the capital he possessed or could borrow to the enterprise, that the steam engine was at length made a commercial success. Boulton was a key member of the Lunar Society where intellectual discussion between Eramus Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood and James Watt would convey subjects such as commerce, radical politics, literature and the arts. His home, Soho House, is now a musuem.

Manufacturer, Engineer. Improver with James Watt of the steam-engine. He was born in Birmingham where his father was a manufacturer of metal articles of various kinds. To this buisness he succedded on his father's death in 1759. He undertook the reproduction of oil paintings by a mechanical process, as well as the manfacture of artistic objects in metal. He established a strong reputation as a craftsman. His works at Soho, Birmingham were widely known for excellent workmanship. In 1767, Boulton, who was finding the need of improving the power supply for his machinery, made the acquaintance of James Watt, who on his side appreciated the advantages offered by the Soho works for the development of his steam-engine. Boulton and Watt formally entered into partnership, and it was mainly through the energy and self-sacrifice of the former who devoted all the capital he possessed or could borrow to the enterprise, that the steam engine was at length made a commercial success. Boulton was a key member of the Lunar Society where intellectual discussion between Eramus Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood and James Watt would convey subjects such as commerce, radical politics, literature and the arts. His home, Soho House, is now a musuem.

Bio by: s.canning