This collection represents 150 years of engine development with many unique items, from the oldest working steam engine to early electrical generators.

Includes:

• the Smethwick engine, designed by James Watt in 1778 and one of the most important and best known objects in Birmingham’s collection.

• Matthew Murray’s hypercycloidal straight-line motion steam engine, which was designed in 1802 and is the oldest working steam engine of compact design.