Anniversaries view William Shakespeare's anniversary
A region of great minds that shaped the World. Find out more.
Meet the Lunartiks view the Lunartiks video
The Lunartiks, as they became known, were a society formed by talented individuals from the West Midlands that are today regarded as some of the world's most inspiring and innovative men.
Watch how they shaped the World we live in.
Events view the Lunartiks video
Join in the celebrations by visiting special events and exhibitions throughout 2009.
Matthew Boulton
Mathew Boulton - Manufacturer to the world
Matthew Boulton was born in Birmingham in the Heart of England, and died two hundred years ago this year. In his 81 years of life, he changed the face of manufacturing.
Boulton established the huge, pioneering Soho Manufactory in Handsworth, Birmingham in 1761. This factory used production methods so revolutionary it became a tourist attraction, with a tea house for visitors built in the grounds.
But that wasn't all Boulton achieved:
- with James Watt and William Murdock, he created Boulton & Watt steam engines, the driving force of the Industrial Revolution in Britain and throughout the world
- he won the contract to produce Britain's copper coins at his Soho Mint
- he introduced employees' sickness insurance, with a scheme which became the model for other employers
A man of many talents deserves many events to commemorate him, and there will be plenty in Birmingham this year - including Matthew Boulton - selling what all the world desires: a major exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
Join in the Celebrations
Throughout 2009 there are great events for you to visit. Check out our Event Diary for something inspired to do this year.
