Making perfumes past and present

Last year, Global Industry Analysts projected that the global fragrances and perfumes market will hit $33 billion by 2015.

The company's report recognised the current trends for "celebrity inspired scents" as well as growth in the men's fragrance market. But the production of perfume is an ancient industry, with techniques refined since ancient times and ingredients found in unlikely places. Caroline Morley


This fresco from Pompeii in Italy shows perfume production in Roman times. Male and female figures represent the perfumers, who are using aromatic plants to prepare perfumes and oils. The winged perfumers are working at a bench (left) and vat (right) to mix aromatic oils and prepare new extracts. The cupboard holds cruets and bottles of the extracts.


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