From steam to 3D as James Watt gets hi-tech makeover

The bust comes from a mould, dating from 1807, which was discovered in Watt’s workshop during preparations at the Science Museum in London for an exhibition on his life.

When Watt, who is known for his pioneering work on the steam engine, died in 1819, the workshop at his home near Birmingham, was locked and its contents left undisturbed.

In 1924, the complete workshop, including its door, window, skylight, floorboards and 6,500 objects used or created by him, were carefully transported to the museum in London.

The complex plaster mould used for the bust is one of 26 which fill the shelves of Watt’s preserved workshop, many still tied up in their original string.

The early 19th century mould consisted of 25 separate pieces and was thought too fragile to allow a plaster cast to be taken so was examined with a colour triangulation scanner to produce a perfect digital “cast”, enabling a sculpture to be created.

The bust will enjoy pride of place at the Science Museum exhibition – James Watt And Our World.

The display opens on March 23.