2-799-747 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Portrait of Matthew Boulton, Holding a Mineral Sample. Matthew Boulton was one of the leading entrepreneurs and visionaries of the eighteenth century. In partnership with James Watt, in 1775, he launched into the development and industrial application of the steam engine. In 1761 he began building his Soho Manufactory, where he pioneered revolutionary techniques of production. He also established the first steam-driven coin mint in the world.