Bronnley : luxury toiletries

Last modified on 2014-09-25 11:59:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Bronnley was founded in 1884 and is one of the last solely British owned firms in its field.

As a premium producer of the finest quality toiletries,  Bronnley sources  the best natural ingredients from around the world to craft its hand finished products, using traditional techniques, in their factory in the Northamptonshire countryside.

Central to Bronnley’s business is the company’s own famous brand and in addition, Bronnley uses its expertise and capabilities to design, manufacture and distribute high quality toiletry products under  exclusive license from the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Collection.

History of Bronnley

H. Bronnley & Co Ltd was founded in 1884 by James Bronnley when he was just 19 years old. He had spent a year in Paris studying the art of soap making and was determined to establish himself as a maker of soaps of the highest quality.

His first soap making took place in a humble shed situated in Holborn, Central London. His insistence on producing only the finest quality soaps saw his reputation grow and eventually he relocated to larger premises in Islington, North London. With such a growing reputation came increased orders and he was compelled to move again to a much larger factory in Acton, in those days one of London’s outer suburbs and within easy reach of the countryside.

The company remained there until 1949 when a disastrous fire destroyed the factory. A number of temporary premises were used until the company permanently relocated to Brackley in Northamptonshire. The first factory in Brackley was in a former Brewery and this served the company until the present purpose built factory was  opened in 1989.

Today, Bronnley remains a leading British soap and toiletries company famous for the abundance of natural almond oil, herb, flower and tree extracts blended into their soaps and toiletries.  The alchemy of soap making demands skill, fantastically expensive materials and careful attention to detail.  Essential oils made from plant extracts, super fatting- the addition of  pure avocado oil, and triple milling – which assures blended consistency – must combine to perfection.  Quality above everything is the cornerstone of Bronnley which is why they claim  to be “makers of the best soaps in the world”.

Bronnley products can be viewed here.

Floris : the chosen fragrance

Last modified on 2014-09-25 11:59:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The first Royal Warrant granted to J.Floris Ltd was in 1820 as ‘Smooth Pointed Comb-makers‘ to the then newly appointed King George IV. Today this first Royal warrant is still on display at 89 Jermyn Street together with no less than sixteen others. Ever since that first auspicious day Floris has always held at least one Royal Warrant, and today holds two.

In the 18th and 19th centuries,  the Floris ledgers of this period detail accounts held by an incredible array of public figures, gentry and includes virtually every European Royal house.

Bouquet de La Reine – The Queen’s Bouquet – first appeared in the Floris repertoire in 1860. A contemporary floral and fruity adaptation was created  to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II and is available today.

Top Notes: bergamot, blackcurrant buds, peach, violet leaf
Heart Notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, rose, tuberose, ylang ylang
Base Notes: oakmoss, sandalwood, vanilla

The choice for men is Floris No.89 Classic Eau de Toilette, made famous as the fragrance worn by James Bond in the books and a personal favourite of Ian Fleming himself. No.89 takes its name from the number of the Floris shop on Jermyn Street, London.

A fresh, citrus top note blended with shades of Sandalwood, Rose, Orris and Oakmoss create this traditional English gentleman’s fragrance.

Floris online can be visited here.

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