Original version

BBC World Service East Asia

The Forum

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

The programme that explains the present by exploring the past

The programme that explains the present by exploring the past.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

The Forum: Making scents: The story of perfume

Making scents: The story of perfume

04/08/2022 GMT

BBC World Service - The Forum, Making scents: The story of perfume

How fine fragrance became what it is today

The history of modern perfume, from its flowering in France to the scientific discoveries that made it what it is now.

Throughout history, fragrance has been used to scent both the body and our surroundings. With just one drop, perfume has the potential to stir memories, awaken the senses and even influence how we feel about ourselves. But what’s the story behind this liquid luxury in a bottle, now found on the shelves of bathrooms and department stores worldwide?

In this programme, Bridget Kendall and guests explore the modern history of perfume, including its flowering in France and the explosive chemical discoveries that helped to make fine fragrance what it is today. They also explore perfume’s ancient roots and ask: what’s in a name?

Bridget is joined by scientist and critic Luca Turin, writer and curator Lizzie Ostrom and the perfumer Thomas Fontaine. Also featuring William Tullett and James McHugh.

(Photo: Perfume bottle and flowers. Credit: Brian Hagiwara/Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Forum

Making scents: The story of perfume

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service