Historical Profile of Naturalist and Illustrator William Chapman Hewitson

William Chapman Hewitson, born in Newcastle in 1806, was a naturalist, author, and illustrator known for his contributions to entomology and ornithology. He co-founded the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1829 and served as its Honorary Curator of Entomology. Hewitson authored and illustrated significant works, including 'British Oology' (1831-1838), which popularized the term 'oology,' and a five-volume series on exotic butterflies (1856-1876). He undertook expeditions to locations like Norway and Switzerland to collect specimens. After inheriting wealth in 1845, he dedicated himself full-time to natural history studies. Upon his death in 1878, he bequeathed funds and rare books, such as a first edition of Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species,' to the Natural History Society of Northumbria, significantly enriching its library at the Great North Museum: Hancock Library. His legacy includes donations to institutions like the British Museum and Newcastle Infirmary.