Clifford Copland Paterson

Sir Clifford Copland Paterson FRS (1879–1948) was an English scientist and electrical engineer.

He accepted a further invitation following the end of World War I, this time to establish a research facility to serve the whole of GEC.

The laboratories came into existence at the start of 1919, initially housed at the Osram Lamp and Valve Works at Hammersmith.

Planning for new purpose-built laboratories began almost immediately with a site being found at East Lane, Wembley, and the new buildings came into use in 1922.

Paterson would remain as director of the laboratories – later named the Hirst Research Centre – until his death in 1948.