10th anniversary of death of Matthew Boulton medal
Object No. 86/316
It is very appropriate that this medal was struck to commemorate the life of Matthew Boulton, as he was the person who did most to introduce modern industrial techniques to the making of coins and medals. An entrepreneur with wide interests, he also modernised other industries and is best known for his partnership with James Watt. The firm of Boulton and Watt designed steam engines that were much more efficient than earlier ones and developed the first successful rotative engines for turning machinery in factories. Born in Birmingham, England, in 1728, Boulton inherited a modest button-making business and built an empire that included the Soho Manufactory, Soho Mint and Soho Foundry. He became Birmingham's leading silversmith and successfully lobbied the government for an assay office to be set up in that city. He also lobbied for the coinage to be improved and for more small change to be struck to pay the wages of the increasing manufacturing workforce. Having designed new machines for striking coins and made many coins and medals at his steam-powered Soho Mint, he sold complete mints to the British and foreign governments. Debbie Rudder, Curator, 2009
Loading...
Summary
Object Statement
Medal, 10th anniversary of death of Matthew Boulton, bronze, engraved by F Pidgeon, made at Soho Mint, Birmingham, England,1819
Physical Description
Medal, 10th anniversary of death of Matthew Boulton, bronze, engraved by F Pidgeon, made at Soho Mint, Birmingham, England, 1819 Round bronze medal commemorating the 10th anniversary of the death of Matthew Boulton. The obverse has a central effigy of the head and shoulders of Matthew Boulton in 18th century dress with the surrounding legend 'MATTHAEVS BOVLTON'. The engraver's name is underneath the profile. The reverse has a wreath of olive leaves and the legend 'INVENTAS / AVT QVI VITAM / EXCOLVERE PER / ARTIS'. This is a partial quote from the poet Virgil; the longer version can be translated as 'men who have ennobled life by their discoveries in the arts, or who have earned by merit the remembrance of others.' The medal's rim is raised. The legend on the edge is 'PATRIS AMICIS M.R.B. CI)I)CCCXVIIII', which can be translated as 'to the friends of his father'. The initials stand for Matthew Robinson Boulton, son of Matthew.
DIMENSIONS
Depth
7 mm
Diameter
63 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The medal was commissioned by Matthew Robinson Boulton, engraved by F Pidgeon and struck at Soho Mint in Birmingham. Reference Dickinson H, 'Matthew Boulton', Cambrudge University Press, 1936, p 159.
HISTORY
Notes
The medal would have been presented to one of Matthew Boulton's friends by Matthew Robinson Boulton. Versions made for sale to the public did not have the inscription around the edge.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1986
Acquisition Date
4 March 1986
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
Image Licensing Enquiry
Object Enquiry