The history of Bronnley is well documented, both on this website and others, as a company that has constantly expanded its range to fulfill the customers’ expectations. From modest beginnings in 1883, James Bronnley had a desire to manufacture “the best soap in the British Empire”. Royal warrants from King George VI and later Queen Elizabeth II are a clear indication that his goal was achieved but it was always the scents that captured the imagination first as soaps, then body products and finally fragrances. Bronnley has continued to thrive with its RHS Collection, Eclectic Elements and, more recently, Iris & Wild Cassis, but we’re heading back in time to discover English Fern.
The first fragrance to feature this elusive ingredient was Fougère Royale by Houbigant. Created by Paul Parquet and launched in 1882, it contained a fantasy note that was supposed to represent the qualities of the fern. An essential oil couldn’t be extracted and so the aroma had to be created using other ingredients. The effect was an earthy green scent, also conjuring up the mossy forest floor, and famously featured the first major use of the synthetic ingredient coumarin. Other notable fougère fragrances include Guerlain’s 1889 Jicky, which features a “fern harmony”, and also Penhaligon’s 1911 English Fern.
English Fern opens brightly, and I mean brightly, with an aniseed lavender that feels wonderfully vintage and decidedly green. There’s a delicate scent of geranium and orange blossom that seems to sit quietly in the heart but, as the fragrance warms on the skin, a beautifully balanced sandalwood and patchouli start to provide the subtle woodiness that’s also associated with the fougère style. The best is saved until last though, as the saying goes, and the oakmoss reveals itself in all its forest-floor glory with an accompanying touch of cedarwood. The longevity is around five hours, it can easily be decanted into an atomiser, and it also makes a fantastic frictionate.
English Fern is priced at a very affordable £14 for 250ml and is available from bronnley.co.uk and all high street stockists.
It sounds wonderful. I have been a big fan of Penhaligon's English Fern for years, for a while, it was the scent that I wore for funerals when elderly relatives passed away, it seemed to be the perfect scent to wear. Despite that, it carries no sadness with it. Trumper's Wild Fern seemed even better than Penhaligon's. Now that I've read your review of Bronnley's, I must give it a try.
ReplyDeleteHello Barry, thank you for the message and I hope you enjoyed reading about ENGLISH FERN. Definitely try it and let me know what you think. Best, Stephan
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