Oscar Wilde is intrinsically linked to London. Though born in Ireland, the city became his true home, a cultural epicenter where his identity blossomed. It was a place where his vibrant personality flourished amidst the strict social norms of the Victorian era. However, this same society ultimately brought about his downfall and exile.
A Life of Extravagance
Wilde was a flamboyant dandy, larger than life, with an unmatched wit and profound intellect. His presence graced the bohemian Chelsea, where he resided on Tite Street. He was a picture of elegance, always impeccably dressed, a green carnation adorning his lapel and a top hat adding to his grand persona. London was his playground, and he frequented the famed perfumery Floris, often discussing current events. His favorite scent, Malmaison Encore, embodied the spicy green carnation he cherished.
Haunts of a Literary Lion
Wilde’s residence in Chelsea, now a prestigious area, was a hub of artistic and intellectual life during the 19th century. It was here he penned his masterpieces, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “An Ideal Husband”. He was a devoted patron of Liberty, the department store he praised as the “chosen resort of the artistic shopper,” even promoting it during his American tour. He also frequented Hatchards, the Queen’s official book supplier, a haven for bookworms since 1797.
The Café Royal & The Savoy
Wilde held court at the Café Royal’s opulent Grill Room, now known as the Oscar Wilde Lounge. The extravagant décor matched his eccentric personality, and the space was a magnet for intellectuals and artists of the time. Wilde was a fixture at the Savoy Hotel, where he engaged in lively discussions with fellow literary figures. It became a symbol of his sophistication and love for the finer things in life. Unfortunately, the year “An Ideal Husband” premiered at the Savoy, Wilde was arrested, his name subsequently removed from the play due to the ensuing scandal.
Piccadilly & Hyde Park: Reflections on Life
Wilde’s wanderings led him to Piccadilly, where he frequented the Berkeley Hotel with his companion, Bosie. His favorite hat shop, Scott’s the Hatter, was situated there, alongside Stewart’s, a confectionery shop he enjoyed. The picturesque Hyde Park offered a respite from the bustling city. Here, amidst the serenity of nature, he would contemplate life’s complexities, seeking inspiration for his writing.
Wilde’s Enduring Legacy
Wilde’s presence left an indelible mark on London. His haunts were not only testaments to his extravagant lifestyle but also served as stages for the drama of his life. His legacy continues to captivate and inspire to this day.
The Language of Scent: Wilde’s Insights
Wilde’s personal fascination with fragrance is evident in his novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. He delved into the psychology of perfume, exploring the influence of different scents on emotions: “And so he would now study perfumes, and the secrets of their manufacture, distilling heavily-scented oils, and burning odorous gums from the East. He saw that there was no mood of the mind that had not its counterpart in the sensuous life, and set himself to discover their true relations, wondering what there was in frankincense that made one mystical, and in ambergris that stirred one’s passions, and in violets that woke the memory of dead romances, and in musk that troubled the brain, and in champak that stained the imagination; and seeking often to elaborate a real psychology of perfumes, and to estimate the several influences of sweet-smelling roots, and scented pollen-laden flower, of aromatic balms, and of dark and fragrant woods, of spikenard that sickens, of hovenia that makes men mad, and of aloes that are said to be able to expel melancholy from the soul.”
Floris: A Legacy of Fragrance
For over 290 years, Floris, a renowned family of perfumers, has graced Jermyn Street, preserving a rich heritage of fragrance artistry in London. Step into their enchanting space at 89 Jermyn Street and experience the allure of their timeless creations. They invite you to discover the world of scent, open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
