A Library of Olfactive Material is a not-for-profit resource for scent education, experience, and experimentation. The Library is located in Glasgow, Scotland.
Historically the materials and means of perfumery and scent design have been closely guarded secrets.
The rise of the internet has provided invaluable knowledge sharing, and an increased level of access to materials. This has made it possible for the first time for a wider range of people to begin working with scent. However, in terms of getting started, the outlay in time and expense is still prohibitive for many.
By offering low cost access to materials, information and guidance, A Library of Olfactive Material intends to address this imbalance and encourage a more diverse range of creative voices to come to the fore.
As a Community Interest Company all profits are re-invested into furthering the aims of the organisation: removing barriers to accessing the information and materials required to work with scent as a creative pursuit; promoting and supporting the work of diverse creative practitioners within this emerging field.
A Library of Olfactive is led by Clara Weale.
Contact: alibraryof@gmail.com
Likeminded Groups
The Institute of Art and Olfaction
The Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO) is a non-profit organisation devoted to access, education and experimentation with scent. Founded in 2012, the IOA is based in Chinatown, Los Angeles. In addition to running a busy programme of events, talks, and educational programmes, the IOA run the Art and Olfaction Awards, a yearly awards mechanism designed to help celebrate excellence in independent and artisan perfumery.
Headed by Caro Verbeek, this ongoing program of talks and curated happenings takes place at Mediamatic in Amsterdam, and covers wide ranging topics – from the relation of scent to animals to anthropology to language to… well… Anything you can imagine. Caro’s aim is to (re)construct a more sensory history of art by collecting and creating historical scents and tactile impressions for educational purposes (both for adults and children).
Directed, managed, and co-founded by artist and filmmaker Klara Ravat, the Smell Lab hosts experimental projects, workshops, classes and community meet-ups in Berlin and elsewhere – from smell walks to classes and workshops to other events.
Scent Club Berlin is an artistic collective and a community of smell enthusiasts, meeting up monthly in Berlin. Everybody who is interested in working with the sense of smell is invited to join.