Connected by Glass: Perfume

Some of the earliest glass vessels were made to hold perfumes and other cosmetics. From then until now, the connection between glass bottles and the scents they contain is a fascinating and colorful story of design and imagination. 

Throughout its long history, perfume has served as a marker for social status; the glass bottle in which the perfume was sold or stored helped to establish its prestige and that of its wearer. While the composition of perfume has evolved over the centuries from blends of scented oils to mixtures of complex and synthetically derived compounds, glass remained an ideal option for perfume vessels.

Join this hands-(and noses!)-on event for a glimpse into the history of glass perfume bottles from Alexandra Ruggiero, Curator of Modern Glass, and learn about a 19th-century perfume formula with Saskia Wilson-Brown, founder of the Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO), a nonprofit devoted to access and experimentation in perfumery. Attendees are invited to purchase a materials bundle from Perfumers' Apprentice so they can enjoy an immersive olfactory experience to complement the program. 

To participate in this unique event, purchase a perfume kit in advance. There is no fee to attend the virtual event, but to fully participate you’ll need to have the ingredients in the kit.