Henry Bessemer

ABOUT HENRY BESSEMER

Remembered most for inventing the "Bessemer process" of steel manufacturing, this nineteenth-century entrepreneur is also famous for designing a sea-sickness-proof ocean vessel called the SS Bessemer, as well as for building unique machines that used steam to convert bronze powder to gold paint.

He spent his childhood in Charlton, Hertfordshire, England, and was awarded his first patent in 1838.

He was the 1872 recipient of the Royal Society of Arts' prestigious Albert Medal.

His father and fellow inventor, Anthony Bessemer, developed an efficient and lucrative technique for mass-producing gold chains.

He was a contemporary of fellow English inventor Robin Sievier .