Sir William Henry Perkin
(1838-1907), ChemistSitter in 9 portraits
In 1856, while still a student at the Royal College of Chemistry, Perkin discovered a process for creating the first ever coal-tar dye, a purple, later to be named 'mauve'. This discovery, and Perkin's continued research into the dying process, eventually led to the displacement of natural by artificial or synthetic dyestuffs in the textile industry. In 1870 Perkin opened a plant for the manufacture of a synthetic alizarin, which replaced the widely used red dye, derived from the madder plant. His contribution to science and industry was recognised internationally during his lifetime, receiving nine honorary degrees, and knighthood and several medals of achievement.
after Elliott & Fry
photogravure, published 1906
NPG x21764
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 15 September 1928
NPG x42772
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 15 September 1928
NPG x42773
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 15 September 1928
NPG x42774
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 17 September 1928
NPG x42776
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 17 September 1928
NPG x42777
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 17 September 1928
NPG x42778
by Lafayette
half-plate nitrate negative, 17 September 1928
NPG x42779
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.