British Style
‘‘Britain has some phenomenal attributes that reflect our brands: politeness, respect for quality, integrity and correctness’’
historically cornered the market in perfumes and soaps, for example, with a few British exceptions. One example is Floris, who first opened its doors in the 1730s, selling perfume and shaving products to discerning Londoners, including Beau Brummell. Potter & Moore was founded in the 1740s by two ‘physic gardeners’; while Woods of Windsor was a small 1700s apothecary in the shadow of the Windsor Castle that was relaunched during the 1970s after a hoard of old fragrance recipes were discovered. Other well-established brands include Bronnley and Penhaligon’s, whose founder was Court Barber to Queen Victoria during the 1860s. The past 50 years has seen a resurgence of quality brands that reflect our growing interest in natural ingredients, so Neal’s Yard Remedies, Aromatherapy Associates, OSKIA, Crabtree & Evelyn, Miller Harris, Cowshed and REN produce natural unguents and fragrances – along with the two British skin and body superbrands, Jo Malone and Molton Brown, whose products are complemented by exquisite packaging. And if the Englishman’s home is his castle, there are
plenty of British brands to adorn it. Cole and Son’s wallpapers and Farrow & Ball’s heritage paint colours grace many stately homes; there is hand-crafted furniture by the Queen’s nephew David Linley and stunning furnishing fabrics from Designers Guild. And while dainty Staffordshire bone china and porcelain still thrives, Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston are bringing splashes of colour alongside the kitchen favourites of Portmeirion and Denby. A fine table isn’t complete
www.britain-magazine.com BRITAIN 23
Clockwise from top left: Neil's Yard Covent Garden store; Charbonnel English rose creams; Whittard of Chelsea; Penhaligon's scent; Smythson magenta jewellery box; Halcyon Albert Hall music box
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NEIL'S YARD/WHITTARD/CHARBONNEL/PENHALIGON'S/SMYTHSON/HALCYON DAYS
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