Boulton, Watt and Murdoch Statue on Broad Street, Birmingham
Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.
The Boulton, Watt and Murdoch statue, also known as 'The Golden Boys' or 'The Carpet Salesmen', is a striking gilded bronze sculpture on Broad Street, Birmingham. Created by William Bloye and Raymond Forbes-Kings and unveiled in 1956, it commemorates three pioneers of the Industrial Revolution—Matthew Boulton, James Watt, and William Murdoch—depicted studying steam engine plans. This iconic artwork celebrates their transformative contributions to industry and innovation.
A brief summary to Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
- Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2DR, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the gilded bronze details and the statue’s craftsmanship.
- Explore nearby Soho House museum to learn more about Matthew Boulton’s life and industrial legacy.
- Consider joining a heritage walk that includes the statue to gain insights into Birmingham’s industrial and social history.
- Take time to reflect on the broader historical context, including the city’s links to the transatlantic trade.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Frequent bus services run along Broad Street from Birmingham city centre and surrounding areas, with journey times typically between 10 and 20 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£4. Buses are wheelchair accessible but can be busy during peak hours.
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Tram
The West Midlands Metro tram line serves Broad Street with nearby stops. Trams run every 6-12 minutes, with travel times from central Birmingham around 5-10 minutes. A single fare costs approximately £2.50. The tram is fully accessible and offers a smooth ride.
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Walking
From Birmingham city centre, the statue is a 15-20 minute walk along pedestrian-friendly streets. The route is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, passing several other public artworks and landmarks.
Boulton, Watt and Murdoch location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
Commemorating Industrial Pioneers
The statue of Boulton, Watt and Murdoch stands prominently on Broad Street, Birmingham, capturing three of the city’s most influential industrial figures. Matthew Boulton, James Watt, and William Murdoch were instrumental in driving the Industrial Revolution forward through their innovations in steam engine technology and manufacturing. The sculpture immortalizes them in a moment of collaboration, examining plans for a steam engine, symbolizing their joint efforts to revolutionize industry in the late 18th century.Artistic Craftsmanship and Design
Created by William Bloye, former head of sculpture at Birmingham School of Art, with assistance from Raymond Forbes-Kings, the statue was unveiled in 1956 after initial designs were drawn up in 1938. The figures are larger-than-life and cast in bronze with a distinctive gold finish, mounted on a pedestal of Portland stone. The gilded surface gives the statue its popular nickname, 'The Golden Boys'. Originally intended to stand outside a Planetarium that was never built, it now occupies a temporary but prominent position outside the House of Sport on Broad Street.Historical Context and Legacy
Matthew Boulton was a dynamic entrepreneur who partnered with Scottish engineer James Watt to develop an improved steam engine that powered factories and mines across Britain and beyond. William Murdoch, another Scottish innovator, contributed significantly with his inventions, including pioneering gas lighting. Together, they formed a successful company that became synonymous with industrial progress. All three men were members of the Lunar Society, a group of intellectuals and industrialists who met regularly to exchange ideas that shaped the Age of Enlightenment and industrial advancement.Complexities of Birmingham’s Industrial History
While the statue celebrates innovation, it also invites reflection on Birmingham’s broader industrial past, including its links to the transatlantic slave trade. The city’s economic growth was partly built on wealth generated through colonial trade, and some business dealings of the era were morally ambiguous. Recent heritage projects have sought to re-examine these narratives, acknowledging both the achievements and the ethical complexities surrounding figures like Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch.Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The statue not only honors three men but also represents Birmingham’s identity as a crucible of industrial innovation. The ‘Golden Boys’ have become an iconic symbol of the city’s heritage, embodying the spirit of invention and enterprise. Their legacy endures in institutions like Soho House, Boulton’s former home, now a museum, and in the unit of power named after Watt. The statue’s presence on Broad Street continues to inspire curiosity and pride in Birmingham’s industrial roots.Preservation and Public Engagement
The statue has undergone periods of relocation and restoration, including a five-year absence during tram extension works. It remains a focal point for cultural and historical education in Birmingham, often featured in heritage walks and public art tours. Its gilded bronze finish and detailed craftsmanship make it a visually striking landmark that draws attention to the city’s rich industrial past and ongoing dialogue about history and memory.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
