A story of Salts, Scents and Society
The genius of The Crown Perfumery Company was that it offered necessary luxuries.
Luxuries that were “needed” by their clients.
Clients who lived in royal palaces, country mansions and cottages.
Their society clients bought scents, salts, soap, sachets and scores of other products.
This was an extraordinary company with phenomenal global success. They were an important force in the perfume industry in the late 19th century. Their superior products received accolades from industry peers at world exhibitions. They were influential and innovative.
In a few short years, The Crown Perfumery Company became a household name throughout the world. Society at all levels used their perfumes and toiletry items daily. Their perfumes were housed in bottles that reflected the socio-economic level of their patrons. Plain glass bottles for the cottage; polished glass bottles in ornate silver holders for the mansion; and cut crystal bottles for the palace. The world was using Crown Lavender Salts and wearing Crown perfumes at an astounding rate.
A Perfume King
“We have known him quite a long time,” said the Sachet to the Spray;
“He has nurtured us and reared us, and we’ve prospered ‘neath his sway;
And the splendid garb he gives us makes the world our praises sing;
So I really think he’s just the proper man to be a King.
Don’t you think so? I imagine that it’s just the very thing,
So we’ll have a Coronation, and we’ll crown him Perfume King.”“They’re my sentiments entirely,” breathed the golden-mounted Spray;
“And I only was remarking to a friend the other day
That he always makes life pleasant, and he covers many faults,
And he wakes the sluggish conscience with a Whiff of Smelling Salts.
Oh, there’s nothing that will rouse one from a dream of dismal vaults
Like a wholesome hearty snuffle of the fragrant C.L. Salts.”So the Perfumes came from everywhere, and each one wore a crown,
And cut-glass facets sparkled till they dazzled all the town;
And regal Bathodora, in a chariot lined with moss,
Surveyed the sweet creations marshalled up by General Goss.
They to honour Mister Thompson come from Kirn and Charing Cross
To the Fore Street Coronation led by Major-General Goss. [1]
William Sparks Thomson was a Connecticut Yankee who grew up in a family of merchants. He and his wife, Jane, would have three children: William Thomson, Annie Lewis Thomson and Charles Ernest Thomson. He had no grandchildren. It must be noted that writers often confuse the father with the son. William Sparks Thomson was the father. William Thomson, the son. The son had no middle name and was not a “Jr.”
[1] Chemist and Druggist. 29 March 1902, 496. (Sidney Goss was the General Manager in 1902.)
