This 1781 view of Matthew Boulton's Soho Manufactory shows the carriages of some of its visitors. Eventually, Boulton stopped admitting visitors, as spies stole his ideas.
Image: Science Museum/SSPL
The spectacle of industry
The Soho Manufactory became a must-see destination for everyone interested in Britain's industrial transformation. Matthew Boulton recalled:
'Last week we had Prince Poniatowski, nephew of the King of Poland, and the French, Danish... and Dutch ambassadors; this week we have had Count Orlof... and yesterday I had the Viceroy of Ireland who dined with me. Scarcely a day passes without a visit from some distinguished personage.'
The Soho Manufactory advertised the capabilities of machines and manufacturing to an international audience.
