Penhaligon’s – From Bath Soap to the Perfumers of Royalty

Dear friends,

A culture is recognized not only by its domestic and religious rituals but also by its appreciation for beauty, its creation of luxurious products, and its ability to delight the senses. We often associate French culture with luxury, renowned for its unique and charming objects. French perfume houses are especially popular, with their products known and in high demand worldwide. Indeed, French perfume academies have significantly contributed to the growth of the fragrance industry.

But what about Britain? Does it have anything to be proud of in this area? Has British olfactory production reached world-class standards?

The answer is quite simple – yes! The British perfume industry has achieved high levels of quality and originality, gaining recognition and demand globally. Brands such as Jo Malone, Floral Street, Yardley London (featured in another article on our blog), Roja Parfums, Stella McCartney, and many others have made their mark. Today, we focus on one such distinguished name – Penhaligon’s.

Penhaligon’s was founded by William Penhaligon in 1870, beginning its journey as a humble barber shop. After smoothing the faces of their clients, the barbers would refresh them with their own aromatic concoctions. William’s first fragrance, inspired by the nearby hammam and its aromatic fumes, was aptly named Hammam Bouquet. His talent as a barber-perfumer became so renowned that his fragrance, Blenheim Bouquet, was personally ordered by the Duke of Marlborough from Blenheim Palace. This fragrance broke away from the floral trends of the time, introducing the fresh scent of lemon peel.

The first store on Jermyn Street received regular orders from the palace until it was destroyed by German bombing in 1941. Despite this setback, the brand’s influence remained strong. In 1956, Penhaligon’s was officially appointed as royal purveyors to the Duke of Edinburgh, providing all his toiletries and fragrances.

In 1975, the brand garnered significant interest with the opening of a new store in Covent Garden. This store offered not only William Penhaligon’s traditional fragrances but also new perfumes aimed at women. In 1988, the brand received a second royal warrant from the Princess of Wales, Diana.

Penhaligon’s classic bottles maintain their vintage charm with their round, glass design, narrow neck, and signature wrapped ribbon. The fragrance names are often intriguing, enticing perfume lovers to give them a try. Some of the modern bottles, especially those in the Portraits Collection, feature exquisite caps shaped like animal heads. While Penhaligon’s products are generally priced on the higher side, the cost is justified by their exceptional quality, the renowned perfumers involved in their creation, and the royal endorsement of their fragrances.

Read our English version and share on our Facebook page which British fragrance is your favourite! Stay persistent in learning English, and we will always be here to support you!

Author: Iveta Radeva