Main content

Making scents: The story of perfume

The history of modern perfume, from its flowering in France to the scientific discoveries that made it what it is now.

Throughout history, fragrance has been used to scent both the body and our surroundings. With just one drop, perfume has the potential to stir memories, awaken the senses and even influence how we feel about ourselves. But what’s the story behind this liquid luxury in a bottle, now found on the shelves of bathrooms and department stores worldwide?

In this programme, Bridget Kendall and guests explore the modern history of perfume, including its flowering in France and the explosive chemical discoveries that helped to make fine fragrance what it is today. They also explore perfume’s ancient roots and ask: what’s in a name?

Bridget is joined by scientist and critic Luca Turin, writer and curator Lizzie Ostrom and the perfumer Thomas Fontaine. Also featuring William Tullett and James McHugh.

(Photo: Perfume bottle and flowers. Credit: Brian Hagiwara/Getty Images)

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Aug 2022 13:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 4 Aug 2022 09:06GMT
  • Thu 4 Aug 2022 23:06GMT
  • Sun 7 Aug 2022 13:06GMT

Featured in...

Podcast