Alchemy of Light & Scent

Images of wet plate photography of a ami,img man along side old camera and perfume bottles

Enjoy an experience where scent and photography intertwine in this immersive, hands-on workshop. Alchemy of Light & Scent invites you to explore the forgotten artistry of Victorian-inspired perfumery and photography.

Craft your own bespoke perfume oil, blending botanical ingredients with inspirations drawn from 19th-century photographic techniques and scent notes popular at the time. Then, step in front of the camera for a handmade wet plate portrait, captured using an authentic Victorian process..

Guided by Yasmine ElGhamrawy, a certified aromatherapist, and Magda Kuca, a historic photography specialist, this small-group experience offers a rare opportunity to engage with history through scent and image.

Space is limited to ensure an immersive and creative experience.

Workshop Details

Table in studio for workshop

  • Saturday 24th May 2025

    11.00am -3.00pm

    • £120

    • Please secure your booking in advance, as tickets will be available on th day only for last minute cancellations.

    • Once booked, tickets are non refundable , however they can be transferred to a different name if you are unable to attend on the day.

  • Empress Studios. London, SW6 1TT

    Closest Station: West Brompton (District Line) and Earls Court (District and Piccadilly Line)

    Bus: 74, 430, C1

    • Light refreshments and all material needed for your perfume oil will be provided.

    • Wet plate Victorian style photograph to be picked up or posted 1 week after workshop date.

    • Additional items will be available to purchase should you choose to create more than one product or take some extra with you.

    • A goodie bag

    • Suitable for over 18’s only

    • Please avoid wearing any scented products on the day to be able to experience the aromas fully

    • Additional details for the photograph sitting will be sent separately to each attendee.

    • Space is only available for a maximum of 10 people on the day.

Limited Availability

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Limited Availability ⋆

a wooden table with a wet plate photograph of yasmine elghamrawy alongside a lavander bottle for photography use and scent blotters next to a yatlina bottle

Brewing Shadows and Bottling Time

A workshop where poetry becomes palpable—through the vial of perfume you compose, and the luminous image you leave behind.

Immerse yourself in the world of Victorian photography and perfumery in this hands-on workshop. Create your own bespoke perfume oil inspired by 19th-century scents and sit for an authentic tintype portrait, crafted using the historic wet plate collodion process. Led by Yasmine ElGhamrawy and Magda Kuca, this intimate experience blends scent, art, and history. With limited spaces, enjoy personalised guidance and take home two unique keepsakes—a handcrafted perfume and a silver-based photograph.

Workshop Highlights

Magda the photographer

What to Expect

    • Victorian era Inspiration: Explore popular and unusual scents popular during the Victorian era and thier influence on modern perfumery

    • Discover Plant Extracts: Learn about the therapeutic and aromatic benefits of plants

    • Hands-On Scent Experience: Smell raw materials and explore their effects and influence on relaxation, focus, and mood.

    • Perfume & Aromatherapy Blending: Craft your own unique 10ml aromatherapeutic perfume oil.

    • Sustainability in Scent: Learn how sustainably sourced, natural identical molecules can create more potent, longer-lasting perfumes while supporting environmental responsibility.

    • Step into the shoes of a Victorian subject! Pose for a Wet Plate photograph—a historic photographic technique involving metal plates coated with collodion and developed on-site.

    • Watch as the photographer demonstrates the entire wet plate collodion process, from preparing the plate to exposing it under natural light and developing the image.

    • Receive your one-of-a-kind wet plate photo as a keepsake of the experience.

a lady blending a perfume oil in a workshop on a table full of oil bottles

Who Should Attend

  • This workshop is perfect for anyone with a passion for history, art, fragrance, or photography. Whether you are:

    • A perfume enthusiast curious about historical scents

    • A photography lover eager to experience 19th-century techniques

    • An artist or creative looking for inspiration from the past

    • A history admirer fascinated by Victorian craftsmanship

    • Someone who enjoys unique, hands-on experiences

  • No prior experience is required—just a sense of curiosity and a love for sensory exploration.

a wooden table with many small bottles filled with fresh flowers

What is provided

    • Light refreshments and all material needed for your aromatherapeutic perfume oil and wet-plate colloidal photograph will be provided.

    • Additional items will be available to purchase should you choose to create more than one product or take some extra with you.

      • A bespoke 10ml perfume oil, crafted from natural ingredients and inspired by Victorian-era scents.

      • A handcrafted tintype portrait, created using the authentic wet plate collodion process.

      • A goodie bag with carefully selected items to enhance your sensory journey.

      • A digital book to support your exploration of natural perfumes and blends.

      • Insight into the power of scent, learning how fragrance influences emotions and supports well-being.

      • A memorable experience, blending history, art, and scent in a truly immersive setting

Meet Your Hosts

  • Yasmine ElGhamrawy of Yatlina

    Yasmine ElGhamrawy

    Aromatherapist

    Read Bio
  • Magda Kuca

    Magda Kuca

    Artist and Photographer

    Visit
Book
brown envelop with dried herbs and flowers