This paper explores the development of the chemistry of aluminium (Al), from its identification by Sir Humphry Davy in England, 1808, to the simultaneous discovery of the Hall-Héroult electrolytic process, for the reduction of alumina into liquid aluminium, in USA and France,1886, by Charles M. Hall and Paul Héroult. Charles M. Hall was ably assisted by his sister Julia B. Hall whose contribution should be more clearly recognized. This scientific progress is paralleled by the uptake of Al in art and architecture. The paper observes that the development of the chemistry of Al was an international process. H. C. Ørsted in Denmark, 1825, produces significant quantities of Al. In Germany,1827, F. Wolher's develops a better process for the isolation of Al. In France, 1854, Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville enhances Wölher’s method of isolating Al and the chemical production of Al commences in significant qualities, but it is expensive. This starts the decorative age of aluminium, for example the casting of Diane de Gabies by Paul Morin et Cie, in France, 1850-60. 1884, a cast Al pyramid caps the Washington Monument, USA. 1892, a cast aluminium sculpture of Eros is erected in Piccadilly Circus, London. The oldest extant aluminium in architecture is a ceiling installed at the Church of St Edmund, King & Martyr, Derbyshire, England. Aluminium sheet cladding of the dome of San Gioacchino, Rome, architect Raphel Ingami,1897, and is still preforming well today. 1903, the first powered flight was achieved in by Wright brothers at Kill Devil Hills, USA, using a cast aluminium engine. In Germany Alfred Wilm invents Duraluminium and Otto Wagner designs the Postsparkasse, Vienna. The first world class work of architecture that extensively uses Al, sheet, spinnings and castings, it's decoartive and modern. Al is used by architects and aircraft designers, a case of a common technology, not technology transfer.

100 Years of aluminum pioneers: From chemists to architects (1808-1908)

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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