Lot 151: Jonathan Pratt (1835-1911)

James Watt's Workshop signed and dated 'J.PRATT. 1889.' (lower right) and further signed, inscribed and dated 'James Watt's Workroom. Heathfield Hall, Birmingham. J.Pratt. 1889' (on the reverse of the canvas) oil on canvas 16 3/8 x 201/4 in. (41.6 x 51.4 cm.) PROVENANCE S.Cowan Esq. with Frost & Reed, Bristol, and London, 1969. NOTES James Watt (1736-1819) was the Scottish mechanical engineer whose improvements to Newcomen's original steam engine revolutionised its efficiency. Watt died at Heathfield Hall, in 1819. Pratt provides us with a glimpse of the inventor's private domain, which was preserved after his death.