Michael Pickthall
Michael Pickthall co-founded CPL Aromas in 1971 with his brother Terry in Witham, Essex. While Terry managed the financial side, Michael brought the creative vision as perfumer, combining their talents to build what would become one of the world's largest fragrance-only houses. Over the following decades, he established CPL as a major international player in the fragrance industry, his work spanning both fine perfumery and functional fragrance applications. His most celebrated work includes Penhaligon's Violetta in 1976, a composition designed to evoke 19th-century elegance in a modern context. Michael's tenure at CPL continued until his death in 1989, leaving behind a legacy that would eventually see the third generation of the Pickthall family continue the craft.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Michael composes
Michael's work demonstrates versatility across multiple fragrance categories, from delicate florals like Bluebell and Lily of the Valley to more assertive masculine compositions. His signature balances classic British restraint with rich material knowledge. The Hammam Bouquet references Middle Eastern aromatic traditions, while Orange Blossom and Eau de Cologne show his command of citrus and fresh scent families. His creations for Dunhill and Penhaligon's reveal a preference for sophisticated, well-structured formulations that maintain elegance across their evolution.
Philosophy
What drives Michael
Michael approached fragrance creation with an appreciation for historical depth, as evidenced by his 1976 work for Penhaligon's which sought to transport wearers across centuries. His philosophy centered on crafting scents with timelessness rather than fleeting trends, aiming for compositions that resonated beyond seasonal fashion. He believed in the power of perfume to evoke memory and atmosphere, a principle that guided his work across diverse fragrance families.
The houses
Maisons Michael composes for
In the same league