William Jackson Hooker ( 1785 - 1865)

Without formal botanic training, Hooker became one of the most influential British botanists of his time. He was the manager of a brewery before becoming Professor of Botany at Glasgow University. After the death of Joseph Banks, Hooker was appointed Director of Kew Gardens in 1841 and revitalised the gardens and herbarium. Hooker published tirelessly, including many descriptions of Australian Plants.