History and Perfumes of Yardley
Makers of Fragrance, Cosmetics and Luxury Bath Treats
Yardley of London has historically been famous for its English Lavender range but it has now expanded to fashionable fruity fragrances.
In 1620 a member of the wealthy Yardley family paid a large sum of money to King Charles I for a concession to manufacture soap for the whole of London. All of the soap was perfumed with English lavender. Yardley's still have a full range of products in that fragrance to this day.
In 1770 the business, which by now had also branched out to produce perfume, was inherited by William Cleaver, son in law of one of the Yardley family. Unfortunately he ran into debt and so the company returned to the name of Yardley as his father in law William Yardley took over the business. At his death the company passed to his son Charles who appointed his own son, also Charles, to the business. After exhibiting at the Great exhibition in Hyde Park London in 1851 under the name Yardley and Statham, the business was soon booming and expanded overseas.
In 1920 Yardley was converted into a public limited company, and in 1921 expanded into America. By 1932 the spirit duty on lavender was removed and turnover doubled. Yardley also expanded in its production areas to produce male fragrances, female fragrances, luxury bath products, cosmetics and skin care. At this time the fragrances White Satin, Lace and English Blazer were launched. With war fresh in everyone's mind, Yardley took the daring and successful approach by advertising their lipstick as “women's ammunition”.
The Fragrances
Yardley specialises in creating fragrances based around one or two key linear notes (a note that remains constant throughout the scent) and softened with subtle top, heart and base notes.
- April Violets: Sweet violet top and heart notes, floral heart and sweet woody base notes. Very reminiscent of Parma Violets
- English Lavender: English lavender top and heart notes toned down with floral and musk base notes
- English Rose: English rose with added top green notes, middle floral notes and base spicy woody notes
- Jasmine: Jasmine with a woody amber and musk base note
- Lily of the Valley: Pure lily of the valley with subtle green notes throughout
- Strawberry and Kiwi: Strawberry and kiwi with notes of passion fruit and bergamot
- Magnolia: Magnolia with notes of rose, lily of the valley and orris over a woody base
- Melon and Peach: Melon and peach with apple notes and rose and jasmine heart notes. The base is described by Yardley as "creamy"
- Orange Blossom: Orange with middle notes of rose and jasmine and base notes of patchouli and sandalwood
- Raspberry and Vanilla: Raspberry, vanilla and citrus notes
- Red Roses: Rose, lilac and jasmine with a woody base of amber and musk
- Sandalwood: Exactly what it says! Sandalwood with a woody base
