When and where was Matthew Boulton born?
Matthew Boulton was born on the 3rd of September 1728 in Birmingham, England. He was the third child of Matthew Boulton and Christiana Piers.
Questions about Matthew Boulton
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What did Matthew Boulton produce at his Soho Manufactory?
Matthew Boulton produced small metal goods like buttons and buckles before branching into silver plate, ormolu gilt bronze, and decorative arts. He became the first Birmingham manufacturer to produce large items like candlesticks using thin die-stamped sections joined together.
How did Matthew Boulton partner with James Watt?
Matthew Boulton accepted Dr. John Roebuck's two-thirds share in Watt's patent as satisfaction of a debt in 1772. He convinced Watt to move to Birmingham in 1774 and entered into partnership the following year.
Why did Matthew Boulton establish the Soho Mint?
Matthew Boulton established the Soho Mint in 1788 because two-thirds of coins circulating in Britain were counterfeit by 1786. The government issued copper coinage contracts to him in March 1797 to address the national financial crisis.
Which society did Matthew Boulton join and what was its meeting schedule?
Matthew Boulton became a key member of the Lunar Society which met each month near the full moon. Following formalization efforts after 1775, they met on Sundays beginning with dinner at 2 pm and continuing discussions until at least 8 o'clock.