James Watt (1736 – 1819) | Monuments of Leeds

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Biography

Watt was born in Greenock, Scotland on January 19th, 1736, and attended Greenock grammar school. Watt was an instrument maker from 1755-56 and later set up a small instrument workshop in 1757. He and John Craig formed a partnership in 1759 to sell instruments. James watt was initiated into the Scottish Freemasonry in The Glasgow Royal Arch Lodge in 1763. Watt got married in 1764 to Margaret Miller. Watt had 5 kids from 1769-1779. He remarried after the death of his first wife in 1773 and married Ann MacGregor in 1775. Improved Newcomen's model of a steam engine in 1776. Brought fundamental changes to the industrial revolution. He worked at Hotwells in Bristol in 1794. James Watt retired in 1800.

Context

Although James Watt has no direct link to Leeds, the three statues he is placed in were erected to celebrate the civic pride the community has for Leeds by commemorating people who helped to make Leeds what it is today. James Watt’s statue brings attention to his contribution to the industrial revolution with his work on the steam engine that would have direct links to Leeds as a major industrial centre.

The statue

Date Erected:
Created: 1899. Erected: 1903

Artist:
Henry Charles Fehr (1867-1940)

Commissioned / funded by:
Gifted by Councillor Richard Wainwright in 1898.

Format and materials:
Polished granite plinth with a bronze plaque and raised lettering ‘James Watt 1736-1819.’

Location:
Situated in Leeds City Square amongst three other statues of prominent men, Joseph Priestley, Dean Hook, and James Watt. In celebration of Leeds being granted City status, the city wished to create an area that represented Leeds to show their civic pride, thus creating City Square.

Description:
The statue is a bronze sculpture of industrialist, James Watt on a granite plinth. Watt is shown to be holding a pair of compasses in one hand and a scroll in the other whilst wearing traditional 18th Century clothing. The plinth has the following inscription in small lettering, ‘THE GIFT OF RICHARD WAINWRIGHT 1898 ERECTED 1903’, followed by ‘JAMES WATT 1736-1819' in a much larger font. Watt’s statue is coupled with the statue of philanthropist, John Harrison.