Discover smell heritage
Smells are a vital, yet often overlooked, part of the UK’s heritage. Consider the aroma of an old library, a historic church, or a bustling market; these invisible cues connect us to our past and tell distinctive stories.
This website serves as the main hub for Smell Heritage in the UK, bringing together the latest research on identifying and preserving historical smells. We provide engaging opportunities for you to participate, share your own smell memories, and experience heritage through scent. This platform is also a dedicated space for policy and networking, allowing experts and organizations to collaborate and advocate for the inclusion of smell in heritage preservation efforts. Additionally, you’ll find comprehensive information on upcoming events, including talks, training, workshops, and exhibitions.
Become part of a community dedicated to preserving and celebrating the scents that define our heritage.
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UK Heritage Smell Inventory
Contribute to document our smell heritage. Each aroma tells a unique story, connecting us to our past and enriching our cultural identity.
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Smell Heritage Events
Join us for a variety of engaging events that celebrate smell heritage, including workshops, talks, and exhibitions designed to inspire and educate.
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Community Engagement
Get involved with our community initiatives that encourage sharing of smell memories and experiences, fostering a deeper connection to our heritage.
Smells you’d like to preserve
★★★★★
As chosen by hundreds of contributors to the UK Smell Inventory
Steam trains
‘The scent of coal and smoke of a steam train as it pulled into the platform’
★★★★★
Bluebells
‘The heavenly smell of spring – it would be so sad to lose it’
★★★★★
Mills!
‘The sounds of wooden machinery rumbling gently. The beggining of bread with the smell of grain – we no longer have community mills’
★★★★★
Inside a red public phone box
‘Part of the experience of using a public phone box. The smell places you there again. Heat and cigarette smoke and Bakelite and paper phone books and sometimes urine’
★★★★★
CONTRIBUTE TO THE UK HERITAGE SMELL INVENTORY
Help us document the smells of value!
Become a part of our community dedicated to exploring and preserving the unique scents that shape our history. Share your stories and experiences with us!
