Following the original suggestion by Marie Haddleton to Ross Bellamy, the Birmingham Civic Society will unveil a Blue Plaque to James Watt on 27th March 2003. It will be erected on the frontage of the Deakin and Francis building in Regent Place, by kind permission of Mr David Deakin. James Watt lived in part of the premises currently occupied by the jewellery manufacturer, although at that time the front of the house faced north.
James Watt was an engineer, an inventor and industrial pioneer and closely associated with Matthew Boulton, the founder of the Birmingham Assay Office. He was also a leading founder member of the Lunar Society.
On March 27th 2003 at 11.30am the plaque will be unveiled by the great-great-great-great-grandson of James Watt, namely Mr Julian Gibson-Watt in the presence of about 40 guests, which it is hoped will include The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, The Chairman of the Birmingham Civic Society, The President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and the President of the Lunar Society.
Other presidents of scientific and engineering societies have been invited. There will be representatives from the Birmingham City Archives where the James Watt papers are stored. Representatives from the Jewellery Quarter will also be present. The occasion will be hosted at The Assay Office.
Make a note in your diary to come and cheer this rather grand occasion for The Jewellery Quarter!
