Obsolete Technology: Vinegars (in person)

Humanity is nothing if not expansive, and the practice of perfumery benefit deeply from this drive forward. Science and technology have brought us beautiful new molecules and extraction strategies, and in turn have allowed perfumers to refine their techniques. However, in our never-ending drive for the new, we sometimes lose sight of the beauty of the old.

It is with this in mind the IAO is pleased to present a new series we’re (humorously) calling Obsolete Technology.

Rooted in texts housed in the IAO Library, each class will explore a historic technique no longer in common usage, or a historic formula that has impacted perfumery through the years. Classes will start with historical context, going on to discuss and present the aromatic materials and production tecniques. Then, the assembled will have a chance to replicate the process. In this, the series will help link us to a long line of perfume practices, though time.

In the first class of this series, we turn to 19th century British perfumer G. W. Septimus Piesse. Drawing from his chapter on Vinegars in The Art of Perfumery, we will lend our attention to recreating his version of The Four Thieves Vinegar. Does it cure the plague? Probably not. Does it smell fantastic? Let’s find out!

All materials will be provided. Each participant will make their own batch of the vinegar, to take home.

Image credit: Pierre de Crescens, Livre des prouffitz champestres et ruraulx c. 1470-1475 - BnF: Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, Ms-5064 réserve

Location: We are located in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood, on a pedestrian street that also hosts galleries, souvenir shops, production companies, design studios, and two very cool parrots. The IAO is wheelchair accessible.

Street Address: 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA. 90012 (213) 616-1744 [email protected]

To find us: Chung King Road is a pedestrian-only road that runs parallel to Hill Street, between Hill St and Yale St. See more information here: http://artandolfaction.com/visit

Attendance and Cancellation Policy: Please note that you must reserve your space in advance. If you just show up without reserving a spot, there is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate you. This sessions is 18 and up.

When we host a class or workshop, we often order the materials to be used in the class well in advance, based on how many people have signed up (and padding a bit for safety). We also use class proceeds to pay our teachers. Although we realize that life has a funny way of getting in the way of the best laid plans, as a small non-profit we cannot afford to carry the burden of lost proceeds and materials.

- Cancellation with refund or credit requests made 2 weeks or more (14 days) before the scheduled session will be honored with gusto! We’ll miss you, but will 100% refund your spot, or give you credit for another class.

– Refunds or class credits requested less than 14 days before the scheduled sessipn: We will refund you 50% of your class fee. Why? Because we’ve already ordered the materials. Refunds or class credits requested less than 48 hours before the class, on the day of the class or after the class has happened will not be granted. The exception to this, of course, is if you have been exposed to Covid-19, or are feeling symptoms yourself.

- Cancellations or refund requests must be made by email or via the Eventbrite 'request refund' option.

Note also that event tickets are non-transferable. Thank you for understanding!

Host or Publisher The Institute for Art and Olfaction