Why Lili Bermuda’s Perfumery is a Timeless Treasure of the Island
Discover the enduring allure and history of Bermuda’s iconic Lili Bermuda Perfumery, where fragrance and island heritage blend seamlessly.
Lili Bermuda Perfumery stands as one of Bermuda’s most cherished cultural institutions, a blend of artistry, resilience, and nostalgic charm that has endured for nearly a century. Tucked within the centuries-old walls of Stewart Hall in St. George, the perfumery continues to captivate both locals and travelers, telling the story of the island through delicate and thoughtfully crafted fragrances. This article explores what makes Lili Bermuda so unique: its rich history, its stunning setting, its inspired scents, and the remarkable tale of a perfume rescued from a Civil War-era shipwreck.
Historic Roots: The Origin of Lili Bermuda
Lili Bermuda’s foundation dates back to 1928, when William Blackburn Smith and his daughter Madeline Smith established the original Bermuda Perfumery. Their venture was pioneering — the first of its kind on Bermuda, and indeed rare worldwide — as they sought to distill the island’s natural beauty into scents that would become both a luxury souvenir and a symbol of Bermuda abroad.
Boldly, the family chose to create the first ever perfume from Bermuda’s famed lily harvest. This act was seen as a gamble at the time, but their vision prevailed. As they experimented in an old house along Bailey’s Bay, the Smiths’ commitment soon bore fruit. In one season alone, over five tons — some 500,000 blooms — of Easter lily were turned into their signature fragrance.
This spirit of innovation set the tone for nearly a century of perfumery intertwined with the island’s identity.
The Home of Fragrance: Stewart Hall’s Living Legacy
Central to the perfumery’s charm is its home: the stately Stewart Hall at 5 Queen Street in historic St. George’s. Now under the stewardship of the Bermuda National Trust, Stewart Hall is itself a landmark. Built in the early 1700s, the building features classic Bermuda architecture — a handsome gable roof, imposing twin chimneys, and solid limestone walls that whisper of centuries gone by. The Hall has been many things over its long life: general store, bakery, silversmith studio, library, architect’s office, and more. Yet, in its current incarnation as the heart of Lili Bermuda, it perhaps serves its most enchanting purpose.
- Bermuda Vernacular Architecture: The robust 18th-century character is preserved in the thick whitewashed walls, with later additions in the 19th century accommodating the evolving business needs of the perfumery.
- Perfumery Studio: One of the former outbuildings is now the workshop where all Lili Bermuda perfumes are created, blending tradition with modern artistry.
Visitors step into this house and find themselves entering not just a showroom, but an experience that connects the senses to Bermuda’s history.
A Fragrance for the Ages: Tradition Meets Innovation
Lili Bermuda has not only survived but thrived by evolving with the times. In 2004, Canadian-born Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone became the perfumery’s Master Perfumer, guiding the brand into a new era characterized by creativity, technical excellence, and a continuous dialogue with the island’s past and present.
Under Ramsay-Brackstone’s direction, the perfumery has:
- Retained Classic Processes: All fragrances are still handcrafted on-island in small batches, maintaining a unique signature distinct from mass-market scents.
- Embraced Storytelling: Each new fragrance is seen as a tale — of Bermuda’s flora, culture, or history — bottled up to be unfurled by anyone who wears it.
- Connected With Global Trends: The brand pays careful attention to global perfume developments, adapting innovations while retaining its island essence.
The result is a collection that is as contemporary as it is classic, rooted in the soil and soul of Bermuda.
The Signature Legacy Collection: Capturing Bermuda in a Bottle
To mark its 90th anniversary, Lili Bermuda launched the Legacy Collection — a tribute to its earliest creations. These iconic scents are inspired by Bermuda’s beloved flowers, each carefully chosen for their association with island life.
- Easter Lily
- Jasmine
- Frangipani
- Oleander
- Passion Flower
- Bermudiana
Each fragrance in the collection comes boxed in a handcrafted Bermuda cedar box, a nod to the painstaking craftsmanship and pride that imbues every aspect of Lili Bermuda’s production.
Resurrecting a Lost Scent: The Mary Celestia Shipwreck Perfume
Perhaps the most dazzling chapter in Lili Bermuda’s recent history is the recreation of a 19th-century fragrance discovered aboard the Mary Celestia shipwreck. In September 1864, the Mary Celestia — a Civil War blockade runner — sank off Bermuda’s south shore, its cargo lost to the deep.
It was not until 2011, after a storm shifted the wreck, that divers discovered intact bottles marked Piesse and Lubin London, the hallmark of a once-famed Bond Street perfume house. The recovered scent, likely destined for a Southern belle amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, would spark a modern adventure.
Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone collaborated with esteemed perfumer Jean-Claude Delville to unravel the bottle’s secrets. Layer by layer, they analyzed its contents, consulting historical recipes and conducting over 110 iterations to match the scent profile.
- Key Ingredients: Orange flower and sandalwood emerged as essential, with the final tweaks achieved on Bermudian soil to ensure authenticity.
- Global Debut: In 2014, the restored fragrance launched in New York with a limited run of 1,854 bottles — a poetic nod to the year the ship sank.
- Giving Back: A portion of proceeds went to support local diving education, linking perfumery with the preservation of Bermuda’s maritime heritage.
This feat stands as a testament to the perfumery’s dedication — not just to fragrance, but to the living memory of Bermuda’s past.
A Fragrant Destination: The Visitor Experience
Lili Bermuda Perfumery is more than a retail outlet; it is a destination in its own right. Both locals and international guests are drawn by the allure of visiting Stewart Hall, where history and fragrance merge.
- Guided Tours: Visitors can explore the workings of the perfumery, learn the art and science of fragrance creation, and experience the evocative scents firsthand.
- Perfume Workshops: Guests have the rare opportunity to participate in workshops, creating personalized scents while learning about Bermuda’s plants and the chemistry of perfumery.
- Events: The perfumery frequently hosts community-centered events celebrating Bermuda’s culture, flora, and craftsmanship, such as special fragrance launches and local art exhibits.
This interactive experience deepens the connection between visitor and island, allowing the essence of Bermuda to linger long after departure.
Bermuda’s Botanical Inspiration: Scents of Place
Lili Bermuda’s fragrances distill the island’s landscapes — from wind-swept beaches to blossoming gardens — into wearable form. The formulas draw inspiration from:
- Native Flowers: The Easter Lily, Bermudiana, and Frangipani lend their delicate aromas to signature scents.
- Salt Air and Citrus: Sea breezes, subtropical citrus groves, and warm island air provide fresh, lively notes.
- Bermuda Cedar: This native wood is prized for its warmth and depth, forming a base for many of the perfumery’s most beloved creations.
The result is a portfolio of fragrances that serve as both souvenirs and transportive experiences, carrying the spirit of Bermuda wherever they travel.
Commitment to Craft and Community
Lili Bermuda’s longevity rests as much on its values as on its products. The perfumery is dedicated to:
- Quality and Service: Carefully selected, top-quality raw materials ensure each bottle’s excellence. Attentive, personal customer service has built a loyal community over generations.
- Education and Heritage: By opening its doors to locals and sharing the heritage of perfume-making, Lili Bermuda fosters pride in Bermudian craftsmanship.
- Sustainable Practices: The company supports local artisans — such as the craftsman who hand-makes its cedar boxes — and invests in the future through philanthropic projects.
This commitment ensures that each purchase is not merely a transaction but a shared celebration of Bermuda’s living heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is Lili Bermuda Perfumery located?
A: Lili Bermuda Perfumery is located at historic Stewart Hall, 5 Queen Street, St. George’s, Bermuda.
Q: When was the perfumery founded?
A: The perfumery was originally founded in 1928 by William Blackburn Smith and his daughter Madeline Smith.
Q: What is the significance of the Mary Celestia shipwreck perfume?
A: In 2011, bottles of 19th-century perfume were recovered from the Civil War shipwreck Mary Celestia. Lili Bermuda recreated this historic scent, offering a once-forgotten fragrance to modern wearers.
Q: Can visitors create their own perfume at Lili Bermuda?
A: Yes, the perfumery offers workshops where visitors can craft personalized fragrances and learn about the art of perfume-making.
Q: How does Lili Bermuda connect with the island’s community?
A: Lili Bermuda supports local artisans, educates through tours and workshops, and participates in nonprofit projects that give back to Bermuda’s heritage.
Legacy Preserved, Scent Endures
The story of Lili Bermuda is more than the history of a business — it is a reflection of Bermuda itself: adaptive, welcoming, and proud of its roots. Through scent, the perfumery preserves the colors, moods, and emotions of the island for all who seek a deeper connection, whether as visitors, collectors, or dreamers. Nearly a century on, to wear a fragrance from Lili Bermuda is to wear a piece of history, crafted with heart and heritage both.
