Portrait of Matthew Boulton; Holding a Mineral Sample Artist: Sir William Beechey d.1839 Matthew Boulton was one of the leading entrepreneurs and visionaries of the eighteenth century. In partnership with James Watt; in 1775; he launched into the development and industrial application of the steam engine. In 1761 he began building his Soho Manufactory; where he pioneered revolutionary techniques of production. He also established the first steam-driven coin mint in the world.; Oil Painting; Science and Industry; Industrial Revolution; Lunar Society; Industrial design; Birmingham history