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The Start Of Yardley
The House of Yardley comes into existence when young William Yardley acquires concession rights from King Charles 1st to manufacture and sell Lavender soaps in London. Sadly, this enterprise’s particulars were lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666 except one important detail – Yardley soaps were perfumed by Lavender.
1620
Soap & Perfumery Business
The soap and perfumery business now known as Yardley London, was established by the Cleaver family in the City of London.
1770
Yardley & Statham
Through astute business and a convenient marriage the Yardley family once again becomes involved in this operation. Charles, the son of William Yardley establishes Yardley & Statham.
1841
Signature Scent
Yardley launches its signature scent – English Lavender, which continues to be the most preferred fragrance till date.
1873
The First Export
Yardley exports its first products to USA – a range of lavender soaps.
1879
Yardley & Co. Ltd
Business booms and the company renames as Yardley & Co. Ltd.
1884
Leading Soap & Perfumery House
Yardley & Co Ltd becomes known as one of the world’s leading soap and perfumery houses after it starts trading under its own name.
1905
New Bond Street
Yardley opens its flagship shop on 8 New Bond Street. It becomes a London landmark.
1910
The First Ad
Yardley uses advertising and publicity techniques way ahead of it’s time, by adopting Francis Wheatley’s Flower-Sellers group painting as it’s trademark, which is one of the 14 known “Cries of London”. Yellow primroses sold in baskets were replaced by lavender becoming synonymous with Yardley.
1913
First Royal Warrant
Yardley receives its first royal warrant and is appointed as perfumers and fine soap makers to HRH The Prince of Wales.
1921
Discovery of Lavandula Angustifolia
John H.Seager is commissioned to scour the globe for the most sought after Lavender. It leads to discovery of Lavandula Angustifolia – specially grown for Yardley in South of England and forms the basis of Yardley’s signature Lavender.
1932
The Royal Appointment
Receives a Royal Appointment as Perfumer to HM Queen Mary.
1932
The Royal Appointment
Royal Appointment as Purveyors of soap to HM King George VI.
1949
Yardley Y Launch
Yardley ‘Y’ launched – a range of men’s toiletries, directed at the increasingly fashion conscious male.
1951
The Royal Appointment
Royal Appointment as Manufacturers of soap to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
1955
The Royal Appointment
Royal Appointment as Perfumers and manufacturers to HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.
1960
The London Look
Yardley creates the signature “London Look” of the 60’s and is a symbol of “Swinging London” associated with the British youth culture. British model Twiggy becomes the face of Yardley cosmetics and fronts Yardley’s advertising campaign.
1967
Team BRM
The House of Yardley sponsors BRM team of Formula 1 Grand Prix, covering the cars in white with black, brown and gold ‘Y’s’ reflecting the motto of Yardley’s range of men’s toiletries.
1971
The Royal Appointment
Royal Appointment as Manufactures of Toilet Preparations to HRH The Prince of Wales.
1995
Wipro Acquisition
Wipro acquires Yardley Asian and Middle Eastern rights.
2009
Wipro Acquisition
Wipro acquires UK and Europe rights. Today, Yardley London embodies this rich and wonderful heritage with pride. It continues to create exquisite luxury items for discerning customers the world over, carrying on a tradition and lineage that other perfumery houses can only aspire to.
2012
