James Watt and our World

This rather rough-looking punch, found among Watt's tools, is marked 'T Lot', a celebrated French flute-maker who supplied the King.

• 'T Lot' punch, 1759–73

Watt's workshop is a historical time capsule - a complete physical record of the working life and interests of the renowned Scottish engineer.

• Watt's workshop

This is the oldest surviving engine built by Boulton & Watt and the second engine built at the Soho Manufactory, Birmingham.

• 'Old Bess' engine by Boulton & Watt, 1777

James Watt used this model to develop the separate condenser, the greatest single improvement to the steam engine ever made.

• The first separate condenser, 1765

This model appears to have been a working tool to plan out a 'rational factory'. It contains 148 moveable walls and partitions.

• Model factory from Watt's Workshop

Watt's workshop contains three circular saw blades, which Watt used in manufacturing the fingerboards for violins.

• Circular saws, 1758-1773

Watt's workshop is an exceptionally rich source of surviving artists' moulds, many still tied up with ancient string.

• Watt's moulds – relics of a lost industry

This bust comes from a plaster mould in Watt's workshop. A hitherto unknown view of the great engineer.

• Newly discovered bust of James Watt, 1807-2010

• James Watt and the Steam Engine - Mezzotint engraving by James Scott after the painting by J E Lauder

Watt designed this counter so his customers could be charged for the exact amount of work done.

• Watt's engine counter, c.1781