Watt’s letter copier gets a modern twist

James Watt is famed for his work improving steam engines. But did you know he also invented a letter copier?

Watt came up with the device to relive him of the tedium of making copies of his plans and drawings. The copier was patented back in 1780 – and the principle remained in use until the arrival of modern photocopiers.

As part of the 2019 Glasgow Science Festival, printmaker Roger Farnham helped set up “The James Watt Print Show” – an exhibition showcasing modern fine art prints created using Watt’s 18th century system.

At a recent Watt conference at the University of Birmingham, Roger spoke about the exhibition and Watt’s innovative copier.

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