Brand «Grossmith»

One of the oldest perfume houses in England

Standing at the origins of the British perfume industry, the Grossmith house is a living legend, whose history began in the distant 1835. The founder, John Grossmith, was a farmer from the outskirts of London, whose small soap and cosmetics factory laid the foundation for a great dynasty. However, the true flourishing of the brand is associated with his son, John Lipscomb Grossmith. Having received a brilliant perfumer education in French Grasse, he combined the talent of a creator and a marketing genius, sensing the pulse of the era.

An Eastern tale and royal recognition

In the Victorian era, when Europe craved exoticism, Grossmith responded to this demand with a brilliant collection. The fragrances Shem-el-Nessim Original (1906), Hasu-no-Hana Original (1888), and especially Phul-Nana Original (1891) instantly captivated the public. Phul-Nana even became cult, one of the best-selling fragrances in Britain throughout the 20th century. The success was so overwhelming that in 1893, the house created the fragrance Betrothal Original in honor of the marriage of the future King George V, earning the patronage of the royal family.

Tragedy, oblivion, and triumphant revival

World War II dealt a crushing blow to the house: bombings destroyed the raw material warehouses in London, and ties with Grasse were severed. The brand could not recover and ceased to exist in the 1980s. It seemed that the legend was gone forever. But in 2006, a real miracle happened. The great-great-grandson of the founder, Simon Brook, accidentally discovered his perfumery heritage. Together with his wife Amanda, they bought back the rights to the brand and accomplished the incredible: they found the original archive with more than 300 historical formulas from the descendants.

This discovery allowed not just to revive old hits, but to recreate them with absolute accuracy. For this delicate work, the best perfumers in the world were attracted, including masters from Robertet, Trevor Nicholl, and Richard Melchio. Thus began the second wind of Grossmith.

Collections where history and modernity live

Today, the heritage of the house is presented in three key lines. Classic Collection is the heart of the brand, exact replicas of historical formulas, such as the already mentioned Phul-Nana and Shem-el-Nessim. Royal Collection pays tribute to royal patrons, offering exquisite, elegant bouquets like Diamond Jubilee Bouquet.

A special place is occupied by Black Label Collection — a modern interpretation of the house's DNA. Here, under the guidance of perfumers such as Celine Guivarch and Melanie Carestia, contemporary masterpieces are born. For example, the sensual Amelia or the luxurious Saffron Rose, which has become the hallmark of modern Grossmith.

A handwriting recognized from the first note

Grossmith fragrances are the benchmark of British perfumery: impeccable quality, deep development of composition, and exceptional longevity. They are devoid of fleetingness and superficiality. The house virtuously works with classical structures — chypres, oriental and floral accords, enriching them with rare natural materials. In reviews, fans particularly note their complex, evolving trail and the ability to sound differently depending on the wearer's character.

Today, as a century ago, Grossmith perfumes remain a symbol of exclusivity. They can be found in exclusive points, such as London's Harrods or the boutique Les Senteurs. Owning a fragrance from this house means touching living history and becoming part of an elite club of connoisseurs who understand the true value of eternal craftsmanship.