William Penhaligon
William Henry Penhaligon (1837–1902) was a British barber and perfumer, the founder of the British perfume house Penhaligon's, and Court Barber and Perfumer to Queen Victoria.
Early life
[edit]William Henry Penhaligon was born in 1837 in Madron, Penzance, Cornwall.[1]
Career
[edit]In 1861, Penhaligon started a perfumers and barbers in Penzance.[1]
In 1869, Penhaligon moved to London, and worked as a barber at the London Hammam, the Victorian Turkish baths at 76 Jermyn Street.[2] In 1872, Penhaligon launched his first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet, and in 1874 he took over the running of the baths' salon, and expanded it to offer perfumery and related items.[1] In 1880, he went into business with his foreman, and Penhaligon's & Jeavons was founded, with premises a few doors away from the baths, also in Jermyn Street.[1][2]
Penhaligon died in 1902, and the following year the company received its first Royal Warrant, from Queen Alexandra.[1][2]
Personal life
[edit]In 1862, Penhaligon married Elisabeth, and they had four children, Clara, Ida, William and Walter.[1]
