Thomas Honywood (7 October 1819 – 5 October 1888) was an English archaeologist and photographer known for his contributions to the fields of archaeology and photography in Horsham, England during the Victorian era. Honywood is recognized for introducing photography to Horsham and inventing a new photographic process known as "Nature Printing." He made significant archaeological discoveries, including the identification of the Mesolithic or middle Stone Age period and the preservation of the Horsham Hoard of medieval pottery. Honywood was also an entrepreneur, establishing his own museum, and held notable positions, such as Captain of the Horsham Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Early life and background
Thomas Honywood was born on 7 October 1819 in Horsham, England. He was the son of Mary Anne Morth and John Honywood, a carpenter, builder, and surveyor. Growing up in Horsham, Honywood developed a deep connection to his hometown, where he would later become a prominent figure.
Contributions to photography
Thomas Honywood played a pivotal role in bringing photography to Horsham. He is credited with taking some of the earliest known photographs in the area, demonstrating an early interest in the medium. Honywood's passion for photography led him to experiment with various photo-chemical printing processes, aiming to transfer the intricate details of natural objects onto different surfaces. His efforts culminated in the development of a unique photographic printing method known as "Nature Printing."
In 1885, Honywood showcased his "Nature Printing" process at the International Inventions Exhibition held in London. This exhibition provided a platform for inventors and innovators to display their creations, and Honywood's method garnered attention for its ability to produce designs directly from natural objects on fabrics, pottery, dados, panelling, and more.
