Henry Seebohm, Sheffield Steel Owner and Ornithologist, with Paul Hobson

Henry Seebohm was arguably the most well-known ornithologist in the late Victorian period, yet he has sunk into obscurity since his death in 1895.

A contrarian and innovator, Henry Seebohm was a fascinating and complex character. Based on many unpublished journals, photographs and letters, Paul Hobson illuminates his amazing life through the grimy world of Sheffield steel and the complex and thorny scientific society of Victorian ornithology.

Born in Bradford to Quaker parents, both ministers of the faith, he was educated at Bootham School in York where he immersed himself in its strong natural history ethos and science curriculum. After the tragic death of his fiancée, he fled to an Ireland devastated by the Great Famine, before moving to Sheffield where he founded the incredibly successful steelworks of Seebohm and Dieckstahl. As the company grew, so did his fame, and he ran into conflict with other steel owners, particularly Henry Bessemer.

Whilst being an expert on crucible steel, his passion lay with the study of ornithology. He was a key player in the early development of natural history in Sheffield before he embarked on a number of exciting overseas trips.

Here’s information about the speaker, Paul Hobson, in his own words:

“Originally from Manchester, I moved to Sheffield in the late 1970s to study Natural Environmental Science at Sheffield University. I later trained to be a teacher and worked as an Environmental Science lecturer for over 20 years until I decided to take the plunge and move into wildlife photography full time. I have been photographing wildlife for over 40 years. I write about Peak District wildlife for Derbyshire Life and my images and articles are featured regularly in BBC Wildlife, Amateur Photographer, Birdwatching, Birdwatch, Outdoor Photographer and Natural World. My awards include Specially Commended in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008, Category Winner in the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010 and Highly Commended in the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2014.

My books include Wild Derbyshire (2012), Wildlife Photography Field Skills and Techniques (2015) and The Art of Fungi Photography (2019). My interests include renovating 1970s Kawasaki motorbikes, local history, gardening and growing tropical orchids. Henry Seebohm’s biography is quite a departure for me, but it links my passion for wildlife and local history.”

The speaker will be selling his biography of Henry Seebohm on the evening. It usually retails at £35 but will be reduced to £30 for us – payment by card or cash.

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