Sir Benjamin Stone
'The workroom of James Watt, at Heathfield Hall, Staffordshire, which is absolutely undisturbed since his death in 1819. 1901'
Handsworth, Staffordshire, England
1901
Platinum print
Museum no. E.5128-2000

James Watt was an engineer and the inventor of steam power. We can tell from the title of this photograph that Stone was interested in preserving an image of this haunting memorial. It was a prescient move. Heathfield Hall, built for Watt in 1787-90, was demolished in 1927 and Watts's belongings went to the Science Museum, where they are displayed today.