The Perkin Legacy
It was in the year 1856 that William Henry Perkin, a true innovator of his day, discovered a colour that changed the world. At 18 years of age, it was his failed attempt to synthesise quinine from aniline that led to the invention of the first synthetic dye (mauveine). Perkin's recognition of the potential of mauve as a dye, coupled with his iron determination to commercialise it, was the spark that launched the modern synthetic chemical industry. Nowadays, Perkin is commemorated in a number of ways by several bodies involved in the chemical industry, including the Society with its Perkin House headquarters and its prestigious Perkin Medal.
A selection of articles have been published on the SDC's ColourClick site about Perkin's achievements and his discovery and development of mauveine:
- Perkin celebrations - 150 years of colour
- William Henry Perkin: 1838-1907
- Perkin: The birth of the chemical industry
- Perkin's mauve: The history of the chemistry
- Perkin's mauve - 150 years of colour
- Dye-ing to fish - The story of the Perkin fly
- Sir William Henry Perkin: A review of his life, work and legacy.
Also, why not visit our Photo Galleries section to see a showcase of images relating to Sir William.