During the Easter break in 1856, Perkin carried out a series of experiments working in his makeshift laboratory at the top of his home. He was unsuccessful in his attempt to synthesise quinine but in a related reaction to gain insight into his failed attempt Perkin noticed that whilst rinsing out his flask with alcohol the solid dissolved in alcohol to give a purple coloured solution.

Perkin carried out further trials with his friend Arthur Church and his brother Thomas in a hut in Perkin’s garden, in secret from Hofmann.