Charles Louis Hett [1845 –1911] Member 1

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The Zoological Photographic Club was the creation of Charles Louis Hett. In June, 1899, he and another thirteen founder members came together to form the world’s first natural history photographic club. Hett was an iron master, hydraulic engineer and agricultural implement maker from Brigg in North Lincolnshire. A successful entrepreneur and inventor, he seems to have been a very driven man. In the few short of hours of leisure time that he allowed himself, he relaxed by studying natural history and, in particular, birdsong. In 1895, he sold the thriving business and retired to pursue his interests in photography, natural history and optical surveying equipment. He was Secretary of the ZPC from 1899 until 1906. He resigned in July, 1908. Charles Louis Hett died on September 22nd, 1911, and is buried at Brigg. The principle concept of a photographic postal folio in which members offer constructive advice and peer evaluation to each other in a spirit of friendship, devised by Hett more than a century ago, remains at the heart of the ZPC today.