Christian Augustus Siebe | |
|---|---|
 Bust of Siebe, in the Science Museum'sBlythe House store. It bears the inscription "A Siebe CE". | |
| Born | 1788 Saxony, Germany |
| Died | 15 April 1872(1872-04-15) (aged 83–84) At home (5, Denmark Street) |
| Resting place | West Norwood Cemetery |
| Organization | Siebe Gorman |
| Known for | Innovations indiving apparatus |
| Awards | Vulcan medal |
Christian Augustus Siebe (known by his middle name; 1788 – 15 April 1872) was a British engineer chiefly known for his contributions todiving equipment.[1]
In the 1830s theDeane brothers asked Siebe to make a variation of their smoke helmet design for underwater use.[1] Later they turned to him to produce more helmets for diving operations. Expanding on improvements already made by another engineer, George Edwards, Siebe produced his own design; ahelmet fitted to a full length watertightcanvasdiving suit. The real success of the equipment was avalve in the helmet.
ColonelCharles Pasley, leader of theRoyal Navy team that used Siebe's suit on the wreck ofHMS Royal George suggested the helmet should be detachable from thecorselet, giving rise to the typicalstandard diving dress which revolutionisedunderwatercivil engineering, underwatersalvage,commercial diving andnaval diving.[1]
The company that carried his nameSiebe Gorman Ltd was founded by him and his son-in-law, Gorman.[1]
He is commemorated by ablue plaque on his former home inDenmark Street, London.[2]
Besides his contributions to diving he also invented:
In 1823, Siebe won the Vulcan medal from theRoyal Society of Arts for an improved screw threading tool.[3]
Siebe won many medals at theGreat Exhibition in 1851 and theParis Exhibition in 1855.
He died 15 April 1872 ofchronic bronchitis, at his London home.[1] He was buried at theWest Norwood Cemetery.
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