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
Dr Bob McGuiness
Managing Director of NPLÂ 2000 - 2005.
1 memorial
John Dolland
Optician, known for his successful optics business and his patenting and commercialization of achromatic doublets. The business, founded in 1750, became Dollond & Aitchison in 1927, and was su...
1 memorial
Sir Julian Huxley
Zoologist and philosopher.  Born 61 Russell Square. Son of Leonard Huxley and grandson of zoologist Thomas Huxley.  Brother of novelist Aldous Huxley. Researched in support of Darwin's theory of e...
2 memorials
Ada Countess of Lovelace
Mathematician and computer pioneer. Born 13 Piccadilly Terrace, daughter of Lord Byron. Brought up by her mother and directed towards science rather than the arts, in fear that otherwise she might ...
3 memorials
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...
3 memorials
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in to see them