Workshop: The Science of Scent
Join us for a fascinating and hands-on workshop exploring the world of scent. Together we’ll uncover how our sense of smell works, why it is so important, and how aromas shape memory, mood, creativity and wellbeing.
You will be guided through smell, touch, and discussion to engage with a variety of familiar and exotic plants their botanical history and use in folklore, magic, medicine and popular culture. We will draw on fresh and dried plants, essential oils, fragrances, and a range of botanical books and references to understand this visceral, invisible sense!
During this interactive session, together we will demystify the science and art of smell, and:
Learn about the science of olfaction and how our brains process scent
Explore aromatic plants, herbs, spices, and essential oils
Experience how smell connects to memory and emotion
Create two aromatic, mood-enhancing products to take home
Discover practical ways to use scent in gardening, cooking and daily life
Expect a relaxed, sensory-rich workshop blending science, storytelling, and hands-on activities - perfect for horticulture students, gardeners, and anyone curious about the power of smell.
No prior knowledge needed – just bring your nose and an open, curious mind
Meet Tanya
Tanya (TIDHA, MIFPA) trained as a Clinical Aromatherapist, which led to further studies in natural perfumery and formulating. She now combines her clinical work with delivering events and workshops in aromatic blending, botanical skincare and perfumery; and provides conceptual fragrance ideas for events, heritage sites and public spaces. She has a passion for unusual ingredients, botanical history and use of plants in folklore. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @perfumemistress and find out more about her work on her website here https://www.theperfumemistress.com/
Price: £85/ Free for Southwark residents
Free places are available for Southwark residents aged 19+. Each resident can claim 1 place per academic year (Sept 25- Jul 26). To check whether you are eligible, please click here.
To claim your free place, click ‘Book Here’ below, and enter code ‘SOUTHWARK26’ under ‘Redeem Coupon’.
You will then be charged a £10 deposit in order to claim your place, this deposit will be refunded to you after you attend the workshop.
Please note that you will be required to fill in a Southwark Council form, including some personal information, in order to confirm your place on a workshop. Your place will not be confirmed until this has been completed in full.