Lunar Society anniversary gets the Royal seal of approval
THE formation of an historic society that went on to shape the industrial, economic and social fortunes of Birmingham has been commemorated at a special ceremony.
The Lunar Society first met at Soho House in Handsworth in 1766 and the 250th anniversary of the auspicious gathering was marked yesterday by the unveiling of a plaque at the house by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
The society comprised some of the greatest minds of its day and members included physicist Erasmus Darwin, engineer James Watt, polymath Joseph Priestley and potter Josiah Wedgwood.
Soho House was home to their friend and fellow society member, Matthew Boulton – perhaps Birmingham’s greatest entrepreneur.
The society’s name was inspired by the fact its original members made their way back from their gatherings by the light of the full moon – after spending hours discussing and debating all manner of subjects, from philosophy and arts to science and commerce.
Between them the men’s innovative ideas and pioneering endeavours helped to bring about the Industrial Revolution – changing the face of not just Birmingham, but the entire world.
Among their credits are inventions such as an advanced steam engine, the concept of horsepower, soda water – and even the discovery of oxygen.
Prior to unveiling the plaque, The Duke was introduced by West Midlands Deputy Lieutenant David Clarke to some of the current members of the society, including Chairman Alan Wenban-Smith; Honorary Secretary Dr Peter Mayer; and Honorary Treasurer John Ellis.
The plaque reads: “To commemorate the visit to Soho House by HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO to mark the 250th anniversary of The Lunar Society.”
After unveiling the plaque, The Duke said: “The Lunar Society will encourage other innovators and entrepreneurs that they can make a difference.
“It has been a great pleasure to see this historic house.
“The society has clearly had a huge influence not just in Birmingham but all over the world.”
Mr Wenban-Smith said: “We were honoured that His Royal Highness accepted our invitation to commemorate this significant anniversary with us – and there was perhaps no location more fitting than Soho House, the home of Matthew Boulton and the original meeting place of The Lunar Society.
“It is wonderful to imagine the conversations that must have taken place in the historic building over the years as some of the world’s greatest minds gathered to share their thoughts.
“The event was very special and a perfect celebration of the achievements of some of the finest thinkers of the 18th century who gathered here in Birmingham and whose discoveries and endeavours helped to shape the world as we know it.”
Today’s Lunar Society has several hundred members and includes leading figures from across the West Midlands – including Aston University’s Vice Chancellor Julia King, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Paul Faulkner, and The Rt Rev. the Lord Bishop of Birmingham, David Urquhart.
Their aim is to shape the scientific, political and social agenda – not only in Birmingham, but across the world – sharing the vision laid out by the society’s 18th Century founders.
Over the last 20 years, the society has played a key role in influencing the development of several initiatives such as Aston Reinvestment Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Water Hall Gallery of Modern Art, Science Capital, leadership programmes for young people and environmental issues.
It has also attracted high profile speakers to its events, including former Bank of England Governor – now Aston Villa director – Sir Mervyn King and Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse.
