• Newcastle Courant advert for brass worker Michael Williamson 1724

    Research Snippets – On Brass cylinders

    Dr John Kanefsky writes: In my paper to IEEC2 on the Norris Files, I referred briefly to the paucity of evidence about brass cylinders for Newcomen engines [Kanefsky (2021), Coalbrookdale, Cornwall and Cylinders, pp.6-7 – see also early access version]. However, an advertisement in the Newcastle Courant for 3rd April 1725 sheds a little light.  In it, a Mr William Packer of Bristol who has relocated to Newcastle offers to cast, among a wide variety of other items, “all Sorts of Brass-work for Fire-Engines for the Coal Works”. Little is known about Packer.  From a brief search on the internet it appears he as active as a bell-founder and supplier…

  • First look – IEEC3 Conference Programme 2024

    Draft Programme Following the excellent response to the call for papers, the IEEC3 organisers are delighted to provide the first draft programme, prepared in collaboration with the host venue, Summerlee Industrial Museum in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Running from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th March 2024, the 3 day conference has a full programme of papers and activities. Additional industrial site excursions are being arranged at separate cost on Thursday 21st and Monday 25th March

  • The Third International Early Engines Conference (IEEC3) March 2024 – Preliminary Announcement

    Ensuring Scottish contributions to early engine developments are recognised and celebrated We are delighted to confirm that Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life at Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, close to Glasgow, have kindly agreed to host IEEC3 from the 22nd to the 24th of March 2024. Summerlee is Scotland’s flagship museum of industry and amongst its many attractions is the UK’s only surviving rotative Newcomen Engine, from Farme Colliery outside Glasgow. Format and timings will follow those of successful previous conferences, kicking off at midday on Friday 22nd March and running through to 12.00 on Sunday 24th March 2024. An evening excursion/buffet at one of Scotland’s significant early engine sites is planned…