Three olfactory creations for the Médard Museum in Lunel

Yesterday was the opening of the new exhibition "Livres d'Or" at the Musée Médard in Lunel (France), in which I participate with three scents specially created for the occasion.

As a center for the interpretation of books and written heritage, this place presents the fabulous collection of nearly 5,000 books by bibliophile Louis Médard.

The preparatory work for this olfactory project allowed me to admire and smell numerous books dated from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

Three scents, commissioned by the Museum, accompany the Livres d'Or exhibition, on display until September 24, 2022.

WAXED LEATHER
Talking with the curators of these leather-bound books was fascinating. I discovered that to keep the sheep, goat and calf leather bindings of these books in good condition, they must be regularly waxed with a specific product provided by the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. Its name: Cire 212.

OLD BOOKS
Smelling such ancient books, some illustrated with illuminations, which still smell of ink, was a treat for my nose.

GOLD
Many of the books in Louis Médard's library are gilded with gold leaf on their edges. As a rather more abstract concept in perfumery, I opted for a both warm and cold metallic scent.

The olfactory creations were presented in small boxes on which was written "Open to smell".

At the opening of the exhibition, I walked incognito to listen to the comments of visitors.

A very nice experience, to be repeated.