Revenge on Isaac Newton

This is a portrait of Robert Hooke, the British scientist and polymath who died 300 years ago.

Robert Hooke: Scientist, polymath
Jonas Ranson

He was a contemporary and bitter enemy of Sir Isaac Newton and no portrait from the time exists of him because Newton's supporters destroyed the only one after his death.

A series of modern portraits has been commissioned to commemorate the tercentenary of Hooke's death and to recall a man who was renowned during his life but quickly forgotten by most thereafter.

The portraits went on display at the Royal Society in London on Tuesday.

Rebuilder of London

Hooke was one of the most distinguished natural philosophers of his day, publishing his Micrographia in 1665.

Robert Hooke portrait
Zoe Schieppati-Emery

He was also a talented inventor.

And together with his friend Sir Christopher Wren, he played a large role in the reconstruction of London following the Great Fire of 1666.

Professor Michael Cooper, Emeritus Professor at City University, describes Isaac Newton as a bitter enemy of Hooke's.

"[He] denied many of Hooke's contributions and did all that he could to obliterate them from history."

The Royal Society and Gresham College in London are hosting an international conference entitled Restoring The Reputation Of Robert Hooke from 7 to 8 July.