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Wedgwood begins manufacturing pottery
During his long career Wedgwood developed revolutionary ceramic materials, notably basalt and jasperware. In 1754 Wedgwood began to experiment with coloured creamware. -
Hargreaves invents Spinning Jenny
The spinning jenny is a multi-spindle spinning frame, and was one of the key developments in the industrialisation of weaving during the early Industrial Revolution. It was invented in 1764 by James Hargreaves in Stanhill, Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire in England. -
James Watt builds improved steam train
The Watt steam engine was an early steam engine and was one of the driving forces of the industrial revolution. James Watt developed the design with support from Matthew Boulton. Watt's design saved so much more fuel compared with earlier designs that they were licensed based on the amount of fuel they would save. -
James Watt invents first rotative engine
This is the oldest essentially unaltered rotative engine in the world. Built by James Watt in 1788, it incorporates all of his most important steam-engine improvements. -
First steam engine railroad built by Stevenson
Rail transport was one of the most important technological inventions of the 19th century and a key component of the Industrial Revolution. -
First camera
Introduced by George Eastman, this camera placed the power of photography in the hands of anyone who could press a button. -
Great exhibition opens in London's Crystal Palace
The Great Exhibition, housed within the ‘Crystal Palace’, embodied Prince Albert’s vision to display the wonders of industry from around the world. Liza Picard looks at the exhibits, the building and the ideas behind the project. -
Mass production of steel invented
Sir Henry Bessemer, an Englishman, invented the first process for mass-producing steel inexpensively in the 19th century. It was an essential contribution to the development of modern-day skyscrapers.
