Chemist. Born King David's Lane, Shadwell. While a student at the Royal College of Chemistry, aged 18 he discovered the first aniline dyestuff while working in his home laboratory. He dropped out of college and with his family's support he opened a chemical factory at Greenford Green (where there is now a plaque) and began manufacturing the dye, the first mauve. His plaque says that he "went on to found science-based industry". We understand the words (and discovered that SBI is even a recognised acronyn) but aren't too sure of the significance since we would have thought that SBI dates back to at least the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 18th century. Died at home in Sudbury.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Sir William Henry Perkin, FRS
Commemorated ati
Sir William Perkin
Sir William Henry Perkin, FRS, discovered the first aniline dyestuff, March 1...
Other Subjects
William Farr
Epidemiologist, a founder of medical statistics. Born Kenley, Shropshire.
1 memorial
First traffic lights in world
Less than a month after the lights were installed the lamp blew up, seriously injuring the policeman who was operating it. See the IET and the Victorianist for two different takes on the story. 20...
1 memorial
Admiral Robert Fitzroy
Hydrographer and meteorologist. Born Ampton Hall, Suffolk. He attended the Royal Naval College, Portsmouth and eventually took command of The Beagle, with Charles Darwin as a passenger. In his late...
2 memorials
Edward Somerset, second Marquess of Worcester
Courtier and scientist. Called Lord Herbert. Catholic. In the court of King Charles I.
1 memorial
Sir Joseph Banks
From the British Library: "Joseph Banks was a prominent botanist, who served as President of the Royal Society, and advised on the development of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. He was a key figu...
2 memorials
Previously viewed
1 memorial
War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them