The Mowbray x Essence + Alchemy
Built in 1889 in the heart of Sheffield’s Kelham Island in Neepsend, The Mowbray, iconic red brick building at 118 Mowbray Street stands tall behind it’s original reclaimed wooden doors. With a history steeped in steel and iron industry it instantly conjures up images of dark engineering workshops with welders bent over sparks of fire and smoky fumes but when you walk through the doors you will find something very different, a building that has been dramatically transformed from an old industrial space into a stunning unique events venue, kitchen, roof garden and workspace with the subtle aromas of their unique Mowbray Essence floating in the air.
Working with The Mowbray team over the summer, chatting about the history and future of the building, the local area, their vision, ideas and their beautiful mood boards, I designed a bespoke incense blend exclusive to them and their guests. Inspiration was drawn from the industrial heritage of Neepsend, the buildings original and current use and the local flora and fauna. Woody essential oils were used to harness the scent of local woodland combined with earthy vetiver, howood and smoky cade to evoke the hazy aromas of wood clearing and charcoal production in the 17th Century to the metalworking use of the building in the 20th. Lightly scented with floral notes of geranium and palmarosa captures the scent of wild geraniums covering the local woodland floor and the florals and herbs growing in the roof top garden.
Incense smoke gives a nod to the smoky industrial past of the building as well as providing a sense of ritual, a moment of calm before an event or meeting.
If you would like to know what it’s like, you’ll have to visit!
Beautiful photography by Department Two