Oscar Wilde, a name synonymous with London, may have been born in Ireland, but his spirit found its true home in the vibrant capital. It was London, the cultural epicenter of the world, that truly sparked Wilde’s identity.
In an era of strict Victorian morals, Wilde challenged the outdated social norms, a bold act that ultimately led to his downfall and exile from the very city that had propelled him to stardom.
A Life Lived in Style
Wilde was the epitome of flamboyance. A larger-than-life figure, he was a towering dandy, a man of wit and depth, elegance and panache. His bohemian abode in Chelsea’s Tite Street was a testament to his style. He adorned himself in finely tailored clothing, meticulously leaving the house in immaculate attire, a green carnation adorning his lapel, a top hat adding an extra touch of grandiosity to his presence.
London was his playground, and one of his favorite haunts was Floris, a perfumery where he would discuss current events and indulge in his favorite scent, Malmaison Encore, a tribute to his love for the spicy green carnation.
London’s Literary Heartbeat
Wilde’s bohemian Chelsea, now a wealthy enclave, was a melting pot of artists, writers, and politicians in the 19th century. His London home served as his muse while he penned his most famous works: “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “An Ideal Husband”. Wilde, a fervent admirer of Liberty, a renowned department store, once said, “Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.” He even promoted the store during his 18-month tour of America.
His love for books led him to Hatchards, the Queen’s official book supplier since 1797. He was a regular at the opulent Grill Room of the Café Royal, later renamed the Oscar Wilde Lounge within the modern hotel. The room’s extravagant décor mirrored his eccentric personality, making it a hub for intellectuals and artists.
Wilde was a fixture in the vibrant social scene of late 19th-century London. His literary prowess often drew him to the Savoy Hotel, where he would engross himself in animated discussions with his fellow literati. The Savoy became a symbol of his sophistication and his love for the finer things in life. It was here that “An Ideal Husband” premiered, only to be overshadowed by the scandal that followed and Wilde’s subsequent removal from the play’s credit.
He frequented the Berkeley Hotel on Piccadilly with his companion Bosie. He was a regular at Scott’s the hatter and Stewart’s confectionery shop, both located near the hotel. When seeking solace from the city’s bustle, Wilde would escape to Hyde Park, where he found inspiration amidst nature’s beauty.
A Lasting Legacy
As Wilde traversed London’s cobblestone streets, he left an indelible mark on the city. His haunts are not just a testament to his extravagant lifestyle but also serve as stages for the unfolding drama of his life – a life that continues to captivate and inspire us today.
The Art of Fragrance
Wilde’s passion for fragrance is evident in his famous novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. He wrote, “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 distinguished British family of perfumers, has been a fixture on Jermyn Street. As custodians of perfumery expertise in London, we are proud of our heritage and commitment to excellence. Step into the enchanting world of 89 Jermyn Street and experience the artistry of fragrance. We invite you to explore the timeless allure of our creations.
Visit us:
* Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
* Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
