The exhibition, which brings together objects dating back more than two centuries, aims to explore the history of perfume culture and its materialisation. Curated by Andrew Howard, it will be presented for the first time on 31 May at Casa do Design in Matosinhos and will remain open until 30 September.

From the 19th century to the interwar period, Fragrance and Form: Design and the Culture of Perfume thoroughly analyses ‘the idea of perfume and the materialisation of an aesthetic to envelop and market that idea’.

Andrew Howard, curator of the exhibition and lecturer at ESAD, draws on Afonso Oliveira's private collection, which includes notable pieces of European perfume bottle and packaging art, particularly from the Portuguese industry.

‘Perfume appeals to our sense of smell, but its materialisation is designed to appeal to our sense of aesthetics. That is why objects designed to contain perfume, richly produced bottles and their packaging, are the focal point of this exhibition,’ explains the curator.

With the aim of understanding the concept of perfume use and its social appreciation, these objects, which have been created throughout different historical periods, are ‘designed objects that result from particular histories and material processes, contexts that give meaning to their being and their form,’ the curatorial text continues.

Organised by Matosinhos City Council and esad—idea, Research in Design and Art, the exhibition explores glass as a material and container, as well as the art of perfumery and the chemistry of fragrances.

Author: Andrew Howard e Afonso Oliveira
Publisher: Esad Idea - Investigação em Design e Arte
Language: Português e Inglês
Pages: 206
Measurements: 21 x 30 x 1,3 cm.