Steam Engine Makers Society, 1884 (hand coloured engraving on paper)

Artist: William Morton (engraver b.1826) `United We Stand Divided We Fall’ `This is to Certify that on the 7th day of June 1884 William Greetham was admitted a member of the Portsmouth No 22 Branch of the Steam Engine Makers Society. Established November 2nd, 1824. W. H. Hughes President. Thomas F. Williams Secretary.' Engraved by William Morton 2 Essex Street. King Street. Manchester. The Steam Engine Makers' Society was started in Liverpool in 1824 and remained a mainly northern society. Its original members were fitters, turners, and the erectors of steam engines but this was broadened in 1847 to include millwrights, steam-engine patternmakers, and the makers of tools used in the manufacture of steam engines. The function was more of a beneficial society rather than one engaged in disputes. The Steam Engine Makers Society certificate shows various motifs of the worthiness of labour; the hive of industry, the all seeing eye, etc. James Watt is surrounded by four females illustrating the four arts and the print shows not only the steam engine and steam ship, but also the factory, which by this time was also run by steam power.