Having studied German at university and having lived in Cologne for three years when I was younger, I take some things for granted. Like Eau de Cologne for example. I know its origins. I mean why is "water from Cologne" a standard phrase when describing perfume?
Some of you may have heard of the brand 4711. It used to be sold a lot but I hardly ever see it on shop shelves these days. It was considered the genuine eau de cologne and used to boast "echt" ( English 'genuine' or 'original') on its labels. But why 4711?
The business became a global name, but was sold in 1994 and has been produced since by Mäurer & Wirtz who maintain the original 1792 recipe blend of citrus, lavender, and rosemary
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| The home of 4711 in Glockengasse, Cologne |
4 comments:
4711 was very much part of everyday life when I grew up. My grandparents used it, and I loved the miniature bottle I was given at a shop in town when I was visiting with my Mum. There were attractive gift boxes on the shelves before Christmas, and I wanted one just for the box.
Many years later, I spent a January weekend in Cologne with my sister who wanted to be away for her birthday. We walked through Glockengasse, of course, and saw the 4711 house.
I still have one of those miniature bottles somewhere. Of course, living in Cologne, I saw that 4711 building often.
Thank you for that information, I remember it from childhood as well. It had a strong smell I think and I loved the colours it came in.
I have not seen it in this country for some while. There have been many more brands on the market for it to compete with.
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