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IEEC4 2026 – Proposed papers updated
As we head into Autumn, we’re pleased to report that the response to the IEEC4 Call for Papers has been promising and the updated list of proposals is given below. Please note, our Call for Papers for the IEEC4 in March 2026 is still open until the end of October 2025 if you would like to contribute a presentation – contact admin@earlyengines.org Author Title Steve Grudgings Calley to Curr (revisited and with specific Bristol references) Steve Dewhirst William Reynolds and his sketchbook John Crompton The Earl’s Own Engineer? Rick Stewart The Coster Family and their pumps Ben Russell The beginning and end of the coal fired economy Ben Russell Engine…
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Book Launch – Charles P. Dixon, John Curr: the man who revolutionised mining, 2025
IEEC are always pleased to share new research and support publications sharing the results of original research into topics related to our core early engines theme. This post shares details of Charles P. Dixon’s work on noted mining engineer and entrepreneur John Curr, published in August 2025, the result of almost four years of investigation and preparation. Charles P. Dixon, John Curr: the man who revolutionised mining, London: Heritage Hunter, August 2025, 9781905315888, 272 pages. £25.00 About the book In the latter half of the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was accelerating and demand for coal soaring. However, as tonnages increased and mines became deeper the need for new technologies…
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James Twyford – Mechanical mysteries
At the 3rd International Early Engines Conference at Summerlee in 2024, Steve Grudgings introduced an exciting 17th century archive of drawings containing examples of mechanical devices, including practical applications of water engines and examples of engineering practices from around the UK and parts of Europe. Contained in the fabulous journals of James Twyford (d.1721) described as “the most energetic and enlightened mining adventurer in the Somerset of the later Stuarts” (John Bulley Vol.97 (1952) of Somersetshire Archaeological and Natural History Society) Watch Steve Grudgings’ introduction to the material: The IEEC audience and wider public are invited to interpret and explain the service in what it is hoped will be an…
