The Potter & Moore line of scented products is one of the more intriguing and fanciful lines I have come across recently. Knowing very little about them or their fragrances, I purchased their Orange Blossom and Amber Scented Candle as part my newfound fascination with all things orange blossom (about which more next month).
Founded in 1749, this beauty line was established by two gentlemen, John Potter and William Moore, who were 'physic gardeners' with a speciality in lavender cultivation. That alone might have been enough to tempt me! I don't know what has happened to their old products, but I like to believe that some relics still exist on a cottage shelf in the English countryside, where a chemist is busy brewing up the next range of 'must haves' for English beauties who desire their personal individuality to be complemented by a signature scent. The current line includes body products, Eaux de Toilette and candles in five scents (the "English Classics" line): Lavender & Italian Lemon, Spiced Tuberose & Orchid, Bergamot & Green Ginger, Tea Rose & Sage, and Orange Blossom & Amber.
Happily, their products are also available across the pond, and I was delighted with my purchase from the outset. The box itself was a pleasure to receive. It is the most delightful shade of robin's egg blue, trimmed in a classic tan leather color — the color of a swank Hermès bag or riding gear for aristocratic ladies. The scent that wafted out was delicious. The candle itself is no less appealing, with charming frosted floral filigree embossing on the glass.
Once lit, the scent stayed fairly true to its initial impression — a warm, slightly powdery, distinctly sweet amber, rounded out by a light wash of orange blossom. The throw is decent and the burn clean, but the amber opens up best near the warmth of the candle. It has a slightly waxy/honey-comb undertone, and is really quite sweet without being displeasingly so. Really avid orange blossom lovers may be disappointed — one does not get the truly ethereal wash of pure orange blossom that you find in the opening of Lorenzo Villoresi's Dilmun or Annick Goutal's sparkling Neroli. The scent speaks of refinement more than of the exotic, and the orange blossom enhances the amber, lifting it up out of the earth and adding a breath of sunshine. The amber itself is gorgeous and grounded, giving this candle a welcoming aura that it cheerfully, elegantly and sweetly extends to anyone who walks by.
The Potter & Moore Orange Blossom and Amber candle is $36 for 200g. For buying information, see the listing for Potter & Moore under Perfume Houses.
I'm not sure what 'physic gardeners' are, but these fragrance combinations sound quite delectable. I'm enchanted with older fragrances in particular, so this one piques my interest. That sounds like really lovely packaging too.
Hi Sabina! I'm not entirely sure either, but my quick scan gave the impression that physic gardeners cultivated plants primarily for medicinal uses, including peppermint, wormwood, chamomile. rose, rosemary and not least lavender. According to an old historical source, the area of Mitcham (where Potter and Moore comes from) was reknowned for its rich black mouldy soil that made it ideal for physic gardeners to cultivate their plants. Apparently Potter and Moore were well known for their lavender water, and the Mitcham coat of arms incorporated lavender sprigs into the design!
I haven't tried their Eaux de Toilette, or any of their other fragrances, but in this kind of fragrance, I'm guessing their soaps are probably lovely as well. And anything to get more of that gorgeous blue box color!
Thank you, Pia, what fascinating background information. Makes me want to go out and garden, too. I envy them for their ldark and rich soil.
Your article was lovely, both a feast for the senses (smell and vision, you made it come alive). And your color comparison to Hermes created a lemming, lol. Robins egg blue with tan trim, I want some.
Thank you Sabina, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. The candle and the packaging work well together, imho–if you do decide to go for it, do let me know what you think!
And yes, the dark rich soil does sound alluring…I would love to have seen all those plants growing and being distilled for their oils in the 1700s!