Jane Austen | Gisela Gayleard x Historically

This gloriously earthy and floral scent is inspired by the gardens of Jane Austen's real life and fictional worlds, from the Rectory garden at Stevenage where she grew up, Chawton Cottage and even the lushious grounds of Pemberley. For this scent we invisaged Jane sat amongst fragrant blooms penning her next novel, rich earth, delicate geranium and the sharp and woody scent of paper and ink blend to draw you into Jane's Regency England.

Writing during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Austen produced novels that explored the delicate social world of the English gentry with remarkable insight. Though her settings often appear quiet and domestic, her observations were anything but trivial. Through irony, sharp dialogue, and carefully drawn characters, Austen examined class, morality, marriage, and the expectations placed upon women in her era.

Jane Austen was born in 1775 in the village of Steventon in Hampshire. She was the daughter of the Reverend George Austen and his wife Cassandra Austen. The Austen household was lively and intellectually engaged, filled with books, conversation, and a strong appreciation for literature. Jane grew up among six brothers and her beloved sister Cassandra, who remained her closest confidante throughout her life.

Education for girls in the late eighteenth century was often limited, but the Austen family valued reading and learning. Jane had access to her father’s extensive library and was encouraged to explore a wide range of literature. From an early age she began writing stories, plays, and sketches to entertain her family. These youthful works, sometimes referred to as her juvenilia, already revealed the wit and narrative skill that would later define her novels.

Life in the countryside shaped much of Austen’s literary imagination. The rhythms of village society, the visits between neighbours, and the subtle social hierarchies of rural England all found their way into her writing. Rather than depicting grand historical events or dramatic adventures, Austen focused on the everyday interactions of ordinary people.

Yet within these seemingly modest settings she explored profound themes. Her novels examine the consequences of pride, prejudice, vanity, and misunderstanding. They also consider the limited opportunities available to women whose financial security often depended upon advantageous marriage.

Austen’s first major novel to be published was Sense and Sensibility in 1811. Released anonymously, as was common for female authors of the period, the book was credited simply to “A Lady.” The novel introduced readers to the Dashwood sisters and their contrasting temperaments, exploring the balance between emotion and rational judgment.

The book was well received, encouraging Austen to continue publishing. Two years later she released what would become her most famous work, Pride and Prejudice. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and the reserved yet honourable Mr Darcy remains one of the most beloved romances in English literature.

Yet Pride and Prejudice is far more than a romantic narrative. Through Elizabeth’s sharp perceptions and independent spirit, Austen critiques the rigid social conventions that govern relationships within the gentry. The novel explores the dangers of first impressions and the importance of personal growth and moral reflection.

Austen followed this success with Mansfield Park in 1814 and Emma in 1815. Each novel presented a distinct heroine and social environment while continuing to examine the complexities of character and community.

Emma Woodhouse, the central figure of Emma, stands as one of Austen’s most intriguing creations. Intelligent, wealthy, and confident in her judgments, Emma attempts to guide the romantic lives of those around her. Yet her efforts often lead to misunderstanding and unintended consequences. Through Emma’s gradual self awareness, Austen explores the value of humility and empathy.

Although Austen’s novels focus on drawing rooms and country estates, they reflect the broader realities of the period in subtle ways. The fortunes of families often depended upon inheritance laws, military service, or colonial trade. These elements appear quietly within her narratives, reminding readers that even the tranquil villages she described were connected to wider historical forces.

Despite her growing literary reputation, Austen remained a private individual. She continued to live within a close family circle, moving between Hampshire, Bath, and other locations as circumstances changed. Much of her writing took place in modest domestic settings rather than grand literary salons.

In her later years Austen began work on another novel, Persuasion. The story follows Anne Elliot, a thoughtful woman who must confront the consequences of a past decision influenced by social pressure. The novel is often regarded as Austen’s most mature work, reflecting themes of regret, resilience, and second chances.

Sadly Austen’s life was cut short before she could fully enjoy the recognition her novels would later receive. She died in 1817 at the age of forty one and was buried in Winchester Cathedral. At the time of her death her books had earned a modest readership but had not yet achieved the enduring fame they would later command.

Geranium, petitgrain and ylang ylang

Contains Geraniol, Geranyl acetate, Neryl acetate, beta-Caryophyllene, beta-Pinene,
l-Citronellol, l-Limonene.
May produce an allergic reaction.