Matthew Boulton
(1728-1809), Industrialist and entrepreneurMid-Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 14 portraits
Birmingham industrialist and entrepreneur, called 'the first manufacturer in England' by Josiah Wedgwood. He was the founder of the Soho Works in Birmingham in 1762, known for its high quality ornamental objects. In 1775 Boulton entered into partnership with the Scottish engineer James Watt who invented the steam engine; he supplied machinery for the new Mint on Tower Hill in 1805. Boulton also designed for the commercial art market, devising ormolu (gilt brass) mounts for the English potter Josiah Wedgwood's decorative wares. Both men belonged to the Lunar Society, a group of prominent Midlands men who developed ideas and techniques in science, manufacturing and transport.
by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, circa 1770
NPG 1532
attributed to Anne Jessop, Lady Beechey, after Sir William Beechey
watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, circa 1799, based on a work of circa 1799
NPG 1595
by Sarah Brown
paste medallion, 1807
NPG 1451
Men of Science Living in 1807-8
by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds)
pencil and wash, 1858-1862
NPG 1075
Engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by George Zobel, and William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075a
Key to engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075b
by and published by Samuel William Reynolds, after Carl Fredrik von Breda
mezzotint, published 1 March 1796
NPG D771
by and published by Samuel William Reynolds, after Carl Fredrik von Breda
mezzotint, published 1 March 1796
NPG D772
by and published by Samuel William Reynolds, after Carl Fredrik von Breda
mezzotint, published 1 March 1796
NPG D18720
by William Sharp, after Sir William Beechey
line engraving, published 1801
NPG D32006
by and published by William Sharp, after Sir William Beechey
line engraving, published 1801
NPG D13736
by Anthony Cardon, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after William Evans, after Sir William Beechey
stipple engraving, published 1812
NPG D32007
by Anthony Cardon, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after William Evans, after Sir William Beechey
stipple engraving, published 1812
NPG D32008
by Anthony Cardon, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after William Evans, after Sir William Beechey
stipple engraving, published 7 February 1812 (1799)
NPG D18721
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