William Hooper (of Hayle)
A fine model of a beam engine, dated 1838, is displayed at the London Science Museum, with the information that it was made by William Hooper of the Copperhouse Foundry, Hayle, Cornwall.
The highly detailed model, which does not represent an actual prototype, incorprates some interesting features.
Perhaps more remarkable than the model itself is the fact that William Hooper's occupation at Copperhouse was variously described as a hammerman, forgeman, and blacksmith. This was physically demanding work, requiring high skill, but not obviously compatible with the fine and delicate work needed to produce the complex model engine. It is difficult to comprehend how a working man in the early 19th century was able to find the time to undertake the work at all, setting aside the problems of limited availability of tools, equipment and even illumination needed to do such work.
1838: Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, 6th annual exhibition of art and science at Falmouth: Prizes included: 'Model of High Pressure Steam Engine, Wm. Hooper, Hayle - £5.'[1]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Royal Cornwall Gazette, 5 October 1838