Record

Ref NoDM1306/11/1/5/folio 199-201
TitleLetter from James Watt & Co to Isambard Kingdom Brunel
DescriptionWritten from 18 London Street, London. The letter tackles various criticisms and complaints that Brunel has levelled against Watt & Co. The letter criticises Brunel's lack of courtesy in the interactions between himself, and the manufacturers and complains that Watt & Co have suffered in terms of time, money and convenience and from changes made after various matters have been decided on. Watt & Co suggest that they have made far more concessions that they would usually do because of the importance of the project. The letter also complains that, although the screw and screw apparatus are usually considered as part of the screw engines, Watt & Co were never consulted about the design of these parts and in fact they would disagree with several of the decisions that Brunel has made and reserve the right, for the sake of their professional opinion, to make known the areas in which they disagreed with Brunel. The letter also explains their objections to the position of the auxiliary boilers but confirms their intention to continue working with all due care and diligence on the project.
Date10 October 1857
FormatManuscript volume
Extent3 pages
Access ConditionsThis material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.
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