Atkinsons

Atkinsons, a brand synonymous with luxury and elegance, was founded by an adventurous young British gentleman named James Atkinson in 1799. His journey, which started in the wild, rugged climes of Northern England, soon led him to the glittering streets of London. With the opening of a perfume emporium at 44 Gerrard Street in Soho, he quickly garnered a reputation for offering the finest fragrances, with his scents delighting the delicate nostrils of London's elite, including dames, dukes, debutantes, dandies, and darlings​​.

Atkinsons' success story is not just confined to the British Isles. Its fame quickly spread abroad, attracting clients as august and regal as Prince Tomasi di Lampedusa, the Tsarina of Russia, Queen Margherita of Savoia, Lady Hamilton, Beau Brummel, and even historical rivals Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington. Each was united in their appreciation of Atkinsons’ divine colognes​​.

The brand's sweet-smelling success reached new heights in 1826 when King George IV chanced upon it and was immediately captivated. So much so, in fact, that he proclaimed Atkinsons the Official Perfumer to the Royal Court of England. This royal seal of approval spurred further growth for the business, leading to its relocation to the illustrious Mayfair district in 1832. Conveniently located a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace, this move cemented Atkinsons' standing among regal clientele​​.

For over a century, Atkinsons' scents wafted enticingly from 24 Old Bond Street. Today, a plaque commemorates the once mighty establishment that stood there, a testament to the enduring legacy of this storied brand​​.

The distinctive Atkinsons flacon, an elegant cut-glass flask, harks back to the design of the brand's very first cologne. The etched pattern of the cap is a contemporary interpretation of the wickerwork overlay of the original bottles meticulously lined up by James Atkinson himself at 44 Gerrard Street. The coat of arms, still proudly displayed today, includes a bear in memory of James' unique co-adventurer. The seal on the center pays homage to the original rose-scented balm that first captivated British olfactory sensibilities in 1799​​.

In essence, Atkinsons encapsulates over 200 years of gloriously fragrant history, a dream of success that started with a young Englishman, a bear, and a handful of recipes. Today, every flask serves as a testament to this remarkable journey, encapsulating a timeless British classic in every scent​​.