LATER ON, THE CRAFT OF PERFUME RE-ENTERED EUROPE, AND WAS...

3. Later on, the craft of perfume re-entered Europe, and was centred in Venice, chiefly because it was an

important trade route and a centre for glass-making. Having such materials at hand was essential for the

distillation process. In the late seventeenth century, trade soared in France, when Louis XIV brought in

policies of protectionism and patronage which stimulated the purchase of luxury goods. Here, perfumery was

the preserve of glove-makers. The link arose since the tanning of leather required putrid substances.

Consequently, the gloves were scented before they were sold and worn. A glove and perfume makers’ guild

had existed here since 1190. Entering it required 7 years of formal training under a master perfumer.