Cover Penhaligon’s celebrates a remarkable milestone this year, marking 155 years of perfumery excellence.
Penhaligon’s celebrates a remarkable milestone this year, marking 155 years of perfumery excellence.
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Tatler+
A journey through the narrative of Penhaligon’s rich history—from its founder’s pioneering vision to its iconic scents—as the storied perfume house celebrates a landmark 155 years of crafting exquisite fragrances that capture the spirit of Britain
Esteemed British fragrance house Penhaligon’s celebrates a remarkable milestone this year, marking 155 years of perfumery excellence. Founded in 1870 by William Penhaligon, the brand has become synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship and British heritage.
Like many visionaries who have shaped the world, the brand founder’s story is one of ambition and innovation. At 15, Penhaligon became an apprentice to a local barber named Humphrey Roberts. It was here that he first learnt the art of hairdressing and began experimenting with essences to create fragrances. In 1869, carrying with him dreams of transforming the world of fragrances, he left his small Cornish village for London.
There, his pioneering spirit led him to eventually establish a barber shop on Jermyn Street—one that attracted a distinguished clientele that included notable figures such as Oscar Wilde, William Churchill and even the Shah of Persia.
Read more: Celebrity make-up artist Jung Sae-mool’s on her favourite Penhaligon’s fragrances to travel with
Above Throughout its illustrious history, Penhaligon’s has been honoured with four Royal Warrants, a mark of recognition granted to those who have regularly supplied goods or services to the British royal household.
Throughout its illustrious history, Penhaligon’s has been honoured with four Royal Warrants, a mark of recognition granted to those who have regularly supplied goods or services to the British royal household.
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A legacy begins
Inspired by the Turkish bath on Jermyn Street where he was resident hairdresser and perfumer, William’s first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet, was created in 1872. A pioneering male‑specific scent in an era where perfumes were still largely crafted for the ladies, it marked the beginning of a legacy that would span centuries and solidify Penhaligon’s place in the world of perfumery.
Throughout its illustrious history, Penhaligon’s has been honoured with four Royal Warrants, a mark of recognition granted to those who have regularly supplied goods or services to the British royal household. Signifying the highest standards of quality and excellence, the warrants showcase the brand’s enduring appeal and craftsmanship. From classic scents such as Blenheim Bouquet and English Fern, which evoke a sense of British heritage and elegance, to modern icons such as Luna and the Portraits fragrances, which highlight the brand’s ability to innovate and capture contemporary trends, Penhaligon’s continues to captivate fragrance enthusiasts with its unique creations. Each one tells a story, inviting the wearer to embark on an olfactory journey.
Committed to British craftsmanship, Penhaligon’s has long championed young artistry, providing support to and fostering the next generation of creative talent through mentorship programmes, apprenticeships and collaborations. This dedication to craft is deeply ingrained in the brand’s DNA, ensuring that the legacy of William Penhaligon lives on and that the brand continues to push the boundaries of fragrance creation.
A bright future
From its modest start with a single groundbreaking fragrance, Penhaligon’s has evolved into a renowned perfume house with a diverse collection of 43 scents in its portfolio today. Each scent is crafted using the finest ingredients, sourced from around the world and blended with meticulous attention to detail. As Penhaligon’s steps into its 155th year, it remains true to its founding principles, cherishing its heritage while pursuing the new. And as time has proven, its audience of olfactive explorers will surely continue to grow with the brand.
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
