British Perfumers established 1870
The famous history of Penhaligon’s began not with the company’s founding in 1870 but, indirectly, back in 1837, when William H. Penhaligon first saw the light of day. Fast forward to 1869, when William set up house with his family in Rochester Road, Westminster/London. in In 1870 he opened his own barbershop and soon counted the whole of Mayfair high society among his customers.
What began as a high-end barbershop began its slow metamorphosis into a fragrance house with the creation of the first toilette water «Hamam Bouquet» in 1872.
Penhaligon’s sophisticated clientele lapped it up and soon thirsted for more.
After Walter Penhaligon took over from his father Walter in the early 20th century, the development moved on apace. When the ninth Duke of Marlborough commissioned a new fragrance William created «Blenheim Bouquet», a Penhaligon’s scent still iconic today.
The first royal order was granted in 1903, after the death of William Penhaligon, presented by Queen Alexandra herself. Although currently in Spanish ownership the brand still maintains a close connection to the English crown. This relationship reached its zenith in 1956 with the granting of the official royal seal of approval: By appointment to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Manufacturers of Toilet Requisites Penhaligon's Limited London.
While introducing innovations such as the famous «Portrait Collection», Puig has put the Penhaligon’s brand back on the path of exclusivity, without losing sight of a witty touch of «Britishness».
Another milestone in the history of the traditional English house was undoubedtly the investment of the Barcelona-based family business Puig in 2015. Penhaligon’s new owner has shifted the focus to a less «inflationary» distribution and returned to a more exclusive brand perception.
While introducing innovations such as the famous «Portrait Collection», Puig has put the Penhaligon’s brand back on the path of exclusivity, without losing sight of a witty touch of «Britishness».
The wide appeal of the now legendary «animal head design» of the «portrait collection» flacons has brought the brand to the attention of a younger segment of fragrance lovers.
The refreshed brand concept includes own-brand boutiques worldwide as well as select distribution in exclusive specialty retail venues, including Spitzenhaus.
Penhaligon’s has always been a master of storytelling. This remains an important factor in the success of the brand – three cheers for another 155 years of Penhaligon’s!
