15% off on orders >290€/£ with code: WINTERSALE

1799

In 1799, a young man by the name of James Atkinson left his home and headed to London, accompanied only by a bear (yes, a real, live bear) and a collection of recipes for fine scents and toiletries.

On arrival in London, Atkinson established himself in 44 Gerrard Street, Soho, immediately drawing the public's attention with his bear; it wasn't long before his perfumes gained similar popularity.

His luxurious and original concoctions became an instant hit with high society who flocked to his boutique, captivated by the beguiling fragrances and revolutionary products such as a bear’s grease balm infused with Otto of Rose that nourished the skin and bewitched the nostrils.

44 Gerrard Street

James’ perfume laboratory at 44 Gerrard Street was located in a typical London building made of russet-coloured bricks and that’s the reason behind the iconic orange of the Atkinsons brand. In 1826 he moved his retail business to Mayfair, reserving 44 Gerrard Street as his perfume laboratory.

"44 Gerrard Street" eau de cologne, named after Atkinsons’ very first boutique, is a sophisticated, lively scent that captures the hedonistic spirit of Georgian London in those early years of the Atkinsons story.

Discover the fragrance

1826

In the early 19th century, James came up with his most startling creation to date, a fearlessly English eau de cologne that was totally different from the Italian-style colognes then in vogue.

Bold and spicy, warm yet fresh, its lingering trail embodied the confidence and power of the British Empire so much so that in 1826 King George IV caught just one whiff of it and instantly appointed Atkinsons as the Official Perfumer to the Royal Court of England.

24 Old Bond Street

Today, Atkinsons 1799 fragrances are deeply rooted in the brand's rich heritage, with many of their contemporary creations drawing direct inspiration from the founder James Atkinson's original perfumes.

Beyond the scents, many of the brand's modern fragrances proudly bear the names of Atkinsons' historic London boutiques and workshops.

"24 Old Bond Street" eau de cologne is a timeless reinvention of the iconic original concoction which won James Atkinson the title of Royal perfumer. It is named after the brand's historic and iconic Mayfair boutique, serving as a direct link to its enduring heritage.

Discover the fragrance

1832

With the granting of the royal seal, even greater success followed and in 1832 the business relocated to 24 Old Bond Street in Mayfair, an illustrious address befitting the perfumer to the palace.

James’ reputation for creating alluring and fabulously fragrant products had by then attracted a distinguished and well-heeled clientele including Beau Brummell and Earl Grey, prominent figures in the early Victorian era, who both had their own page in the Atkinsons' client dossier.

Gold Fair in Mayfair

The Mayfair district, home to Atkinsons for over a century, was the inspiration for "Gold Fair in Mayfair", a sophisticated eau de parfum that exudes the glamour and elegance of London’s most rarefied neighbourhood. The name is also a nod to the golden swag of medals Atkinsons picked up in these years.

Discover the fragrance

The mid- 1800s

Riding on this international success, James’ brother Edward joined the business in the 1830s that was officially renamed J. & E. Atkinson Ltd, a name that was soon to adorn boutiques in Paris, the Americas and even further afield.

The Atkinsons client list had by then become a who’s who of royalty, society and VIPs, not only in Britain but beyond, attracting august and famous personages such as Bismarck, Napoleon, the Tsarina of Russia, Queen Margherita of Savoia, the Rothschild dynasty and last, but certainly not least, Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

The Nuptial Bouquet

In 1840 when a young Queen Victoria floated down the aisle to marry her prince, she carried a bouquet containing myrtle - a flower that has since become a traditional inclusion in British royal wedding bouquets, symbolizing purity, hope, and rebirth.

This happy occasion was the inspiration behind "The Nuptial Bouquet", a glorious floral scent which stands as a fragrant tribute to a significant moment in British history and a celebration of enduring love and femininity.

Discover the fragrance

The late 1800s

By then Atkinsons had become an established brand that was loved far and wide. When James Atkinson passed away in 1853, the business remained within the family, enjoying growing success.

The company scooped up medals at the London Exhibition in 1862, Vienna 1873 and Melbourne in 1875. It was the only English perfumery to win gold medals at the Paris Expositions of 1878 and 1889 and walked away with the Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris Exposition, marking the perfect way to step into the twentieth century.

James

James Atkinson was an eccentric and visionary British perfumer. The fragrance that bears his name mirrors his intrepid and unconventional spirit.

"James" is indeed a bold and stirring eau de parfum for those who aren’t afraid to veer from the trodden path. It is a glorious homage to the intrepid young fellow who dared to dream, leaving his home and conquering London with his extraordinary fragrances.

Discover the fragrance

Early 1900s

A new century called for new initiatives, which included moving south of the Thames for the first time and establishing large premises in Bermondsey, Eonia Works.

The following decades represent a luminous chapter in the history of Atkinsons 1799, a golden age of prestige where the house’s bold creations became the olfactory signature of the global elite.

This era serves as more than just a memory: it acts as a rich creative reservoir for the brand’s modern masterpieces. Today, the Atkinsons brand continues to translate its history of success into contemporary triumphs, crafting fragrances that honor a storied past while setting new standards for modern luxury and timeless character.

The Oud Collection

The Oud Collection of luxury fragrances is inspired by dashing heroes, unconventional heroines and glamorous figures of the 1920s, set aback the exotic background of Arabian deserts and cities. This intoxicating collection evokes the irresistible intrigue, seduction and audacity of a fascinating chapter in history.

Discover the collection

The Reserve Collection

The Reserve Collection is an ultra-luxurious line of Parfum Intense fragrances that reimagines the brand’s most prestigious archival fragrances for the modern connoisseur. The collection pays homage to historical milestones using rare, premium ingredients. Each fragrance is housed in a sophisticated hand-decorated flacon, emphasising a legacy of British elegance that dates back over two centuries.

Discover the collection

1799
1826
1832
The mid- 1800s
The late 1800s
Early 1900s