Título: Matthew Boulton
Seção: Community work
Background: Matthew Boulton  (; 3 September 1728 - 17 August 1809) was an English manufacturer and business partner of Scottish engineer James Watt. In the final quarter of the 18th century, the partnership installed hundreds of Boulton & Watt steam engines, which were a great advance on the state of the art, making possible the mechanisation of factories and mills. Boulton applied modern techniques to the minting of coins, striking millions of pieces for Britain and other countries, and supplying the Royal Mint with up-to-date equipment.

Conteúdo: Boulton was widely involved in civic activities in Birmingham. His friend Dr John Ash had long sought to build a hospital in the town. A great fan of the music of Handel, Boulton conceived of the idea to hold a music festival in Birmingham to raise funds for the hospital. The festival took place in September 1768, the first of a series stretching well into the twentieth century. The hospital opened in 1779. Boulton also helped build the General Dispensary, where outpatient treatment could be obtained. A firm supporter of the Dispensary, he served as treasurer, and wrote, "If the funds of the institution are not sufficient for its support, I will make up the deficiency." The Dispensary soon outgrew its original quarters, and a new building in Temple Row was opened in 1808, shortly before Boulton's death.  Boulton helped found the New Street Theatre in 1774, and later wrote that having a theatre encouraged well-to-do visitors to come to Birmingham, and to spend more money than they would have otherwise. Boulton attempted to have the theatre recognised as a patent theatre with a Royal Patent, entitled to present serious drama; he failed in 1779 but succeeded in 1807. He also supported Birmingham's Oratorio Choral Society, and collaborated with button maker and amateur musical promoter Joseph Moore to put on a series of private concerts in 1799. He maintained a pew at St Paul's Church, Birmingham, a centre of musical excellence. When performances of the Messiah were organised at 

user: What kind of community work did he do?

assistant: A great fan of the music of Handel, Boulton conceived of the idea to hold a music festival in Birmingham to raise funds for the hospital.

user: Was the festival a success?

assistant: The hospital opened in 1779. Boulton also helped build the General Dispensary, where outpatient treatment could be obtained.

user: Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?

assistant: Boulton helped found the New Street Theatre in 1774,

user: What else can you tell me about the theater?

assistant: Boulton attempted to have the theatre recognised as a patent theatre with a Royal Patent,

user: Was he able to have it recognized?

assistant: he failed in 1779 but succeeded in 1807.

user: What other community work did he do?

assistant: He also supported Birmingham's Oratorio Choral Society, and collaborated with button maker and amateur musical promoter Joseph Moore

user: What did he do to collaborate with Joseph Moore?

assistant: to put on a series of private concerts in 1799. He maintained a pew at St Paul's Church, Birmingham, a centre of musical excellence.

user: What other community work did he do?

assistant: Boulton served on a committee to organise volunteers to patrol the streets at night and reduce crime.

user: Was there other significant community work?

assistant: weapons. In 1794 he was elected High Sheriff of Staffordshire, his county of residence.