Discover the Enchanting Scent-Themed Books for Your Next Adventure
Unveiling the Captivating Origins of “Secrets of the Lavender Girls”
In her captivating novel, author Kate Thompson intricately weaves the compelling narratives of the women who were employed at the renowned Yardley factory during the tumultuous years of World War II. Through her meticulous research, she unearths astonishing tales and experiences that not only enrich the storyline but also pay homage to the resilience of these remarkable women. Each page immerses readers in a world where the scent of lavender mingles with the echoes of history, revealing how these women navigated the challenges of wartime life while contributing to a significant chapter in the fragrance industry.
Kate Thompson, a passionate historian and author, expresses her love for delving into archives and libraries on her social media. She describes the exhilarating feeling of gently untying the cream ribbon of an ancient file, as the scent of decades-old dust fills the air, transporting her back in time. In her pursuit of knowledge about the Second World War, she often finds herself lost in the whispers of history contained within yellowed newspaper clippings and firsthand accounts, all while relishing the tranquil atmosphere of a reading room. This dedication to uncovering the past not only fuels her storytelling but also enriches her understanding of the lives shaped by those historical events.
Revealing her fervor for research, Kate emphasizes the significance of what historians refer to as “Primary Sources”. However, she playfully prefers to label them as “Magnificent Women,” celebrating the extraordinary individuals whose stories she has the privilege to tell. These remarkable women, whose lives intersected with the fragrant legacy of Yardley, add depth and authenticity to her narrative, making their experiences resonate with readers.
The delightful novel beautifully chronicles the fragrant heritage of Yardley and the extraordinary lives of the women who dedicated themselves to its legacy. While the story is fictional, Kate’s sincere admiration for the real women she encountered during her research shines brightly throughout the narrative. Their stories provide a rich backdrop that enhances the overall reading experience, making it not just a story, but a tribute to their resilience and strength.
As Kate unravels the personal accounts of the women who played a pivotal role at Yardley during the wartime, she received a heartfelt handwritten letter from one of the former employees.
‘I was a wartime lavender girl, I read about your book in a magazine,’ wrote Joan Osborne, reflecting on her cherished memories. ‘Yardley was the most wonderful years of my life. I am now 91.’
This touching letter from Joan reveals her deep connection to Yardley, where she had longed to work. She vividly recounts, ‘It must have been the glamour. I remember travelling from Stratford to Ilford on the bus, and the conductor would open the window so everyone could breathe in the lavender scent drifting from Yardley. Carpenters Road, or Stink Bomb Alley, was notorious for its unique aromas. Depending on the wind, seven different types of air flowed through there. I can still smell the lavender,’ demonstrating how the essence of Yardley lingered not only in the air but also in the hearts of those who experienced it.
Through her narrative, Kate learned that Joan had been assigned to the top-floor perfumery department, where her initial task was to sweep the floors. However, her ambition shone through, and she remarked, ‘I thought, “I haven’t come here to sweep floors,”’ which led to her being transitioned to bottle-filling, where she was responsible for attaching the skins and caps onto bottles. During a time when many women were departing for military service, the factory sought to retain their workforce, and Joan’s determination ensured her position was secure. She recalls, ‘I earned eighteen shillings a week, and my clocking-in number was 157. I still have the card,’ underscoring her pride in her work.
‘Those were perilous times, particularly when the flying bombs began to strike, but in my youth, I didn’t dwell on it much,’ Joan reminisced. ‘The cold in the factory, however, was a significant concern; the heating was seldom turned on, and we were perpetually freezing. To help us stay warm, they would provide cups of Oxo. At least the room always smelled delightful with the fragrances of lavender, freesia, and April violets perfume wafting through the air.’
For those intrigued by the remarkable stories of Joan and her fellow Yardley girls, Kate Thompson’s heartfelt reflections on her research journey reveal the emotional depth behind the narrative. However, we highly encourage you to purchase the book itself. To enhance your reading experience, consider enjoying it while surrounded by one of Yardley’s classic fragrances, which remain in production today. This way, you can indulge in an extra layer of fragrant history as you turn the pages of this enchanting tale.
P.S: Don’t miss out on the incredible FULL SIZE Yardley scent of English Rose featured in our newly launched Discovery Box, The Garden of Delights. This exquisite collection is available for just £23, or £19 for VIPs, making it a perfect opportunity to indulge while enjoying the final days of summer and embracing the beauty of these timeless fragrances.
Written by Suzy Nightingale
