In the mid-19th century, the world of chemistry and fashion collided unexpectedly, thanks to the efforts of a young chemist named William Perkin.
His accidental discovery reshaped the dye industry, leaving a lasting impact on the fashion world. An 18-year-old academic at the Royal College of Chemistry, Perkin embarked on an experiment that was set to change the course of his life and many others.
Under the guidance of August Wilhelm von Hoffman, Perkin’s initial task was ambitious yet seemingly straightforward. He was to attempt converting coal tar, a sticky by-product of gas production, into quinine. Quinine, a substance used to treat malaria, was traditionally extracted from tree bark in a labor-intensive process.