Early Beginnings (1700s – 1800s)

The story of perfumery in the northwest of England actually starts with a bit of a global twist. While perfume was originally made and used in ancient civilizations like Egypt and the Middle East, Europe started getting really into perfume in the 1600s. In the 1700s, cities like Chester and Manchester began making their mark in the perfume world, as people in England were learning how to distill flowers and herbs into fragrances.

Perfume back then wasn't just about smelling nice. It was also about health, luxury, and social status. In the northwest, people started to get creative with the natural resources around them, like flowers, herbs, and fruits.

The Rise of Fragrance Brands (1800s – Early 1900s)

By the mid-1800s, the northwest of England became a major center for the production of fragrances. Cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and Chester were key players. This is because these places had access to raw materials (thanks to trade routes) and were booming with industry.
• Liverpool, for example, was one of the biggest ports in the world at the time. It had access to exotic flowers, spices, and other ingredients from all over the world. This made it a perfect place for perfume-making.
• Meanwhile, Manchester was known for its textile industry, but many of its wealthy mill owners and merchants were also into fine fragrances. Some even set up small perfume-making businesses.

Big Names in Perfumery (Late 1800s – 1900s)

In the late 19th century, some famous perfume houses began to appear in the northwest. One of the biggest names to emerge was Chester-based company Atkinson’s. Atkinson’s was established in 1799 and became very famous for creating luxury fragrances for the rich and royal. It’s often called "the perfumer to the Queen" because of its royal connections. Atkinson’s was known for creating complex and sophisticated scents using ingredients like rose, lavender, and sandalwood.

The Influence of the Industrial Revolution

During the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, cities in the northwest like Manchester, Liverpool, and even Blackpool began to grow rapidly. This period of intense growth helped develop a lot of new technology in manufacturing and trade. The industrial changes allowed perfumers to make fragrances in larger quantities and get them out to more people.
However, this period also led to the rise of mass-produced perfumes. As cities became more urbanized, there was a shift from small, artisanal perfume-making to more industrialized, factory-based production. This meant that fragrances could be sold to a wider range of people—not just the wealthy.

Modern Perfumery (1900s – Today)

By the mid-20th century, many of the major perfume brands in the northwest had already made a name for themselves. Liverpool and Manchester remained key players in the perfume industry, with perfume shops and boutiques offering a wide range of scents.
In modern times, the northwest continues to be involved in the fragrance industry, though it’s not as central as places like Paris or New York. Today, some perfume companies in the region are known for creating niche and luxury scents, often focusing on sustainability and using local ingredients.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Liverpool was home to a famous perfumer named Cyril Heywood? He was the creator of the "Scouser" fragrance, which captured the spirit of Liverpool itself—floral, spicy, and bold. How cool is that?

Why the Northwest?

So why did the northwest of England become such a perfume powerhouse?
• Access to trade: With major port cities like Liverpool, the northwest had access to rare and exotic ingredients from all over the world.
• Industrialization: The growth of factories and new technologies made it easier to produce perfumes on a larger scale.
• Creativity: The region attracted people with a love for luxury, beauty, and fine arts, all of which helped grow the perfume industry.

Lab D83: Honoring the Legacy, Shaping the Future

At Lab D83, we are proud to continue the North West’s storied history of perfumery. Inspired by centuries of craftsmanship and driven by a passion for modern innovation, our fragrances are crafted to stimulate the senses, bringing together the best of past and present.


Explore our collections and become part of a tradition that transcends time, embracing the spirit that makes the North West of England a cornerstone of global perfumery. If you want to smell good we have a fragrance for you!