Julie Dunkley is one of the most respected figures in British perfumery, with a career that began in 1988 immediately after school through a laboratory apprenticeship at FD&O.

Her passion for fragrance creation developed at Belmay Fragrances, where she worked under the guidance of Lisa Hipgrave. Over six years, she progressed from laboratory technician to trainee perfumer, gaining a deep understanding of both the technical and creative dimensions of the craft.

Today, Dunkley serves as Senior Perfumer at Sozio UK and is the Immediate Past President of the British Society of Perfumers. In this role, she is actively involved in mentoring and education, regularly sharing her expertise through workshops and industry events.

Her background in product development and regulatory compliance—particularly through her work with the Copenhagen Candle Company—gives her a unique perspective, combining artistic vision with a strong understanding of safety, quality, and commercial viability.

Dunkley’s collaboration with Beaufort London has resulted in some of the most distinctive and atmospheric fragrances in contemporary niche perfumery.

Creations such as Absent Presence, Acrasia, and Iron Duke demonstrate her ability to translate historical narratives and literary themes into compelling olfactory experiences.

One of her most remarkable works, Cœur de Noir, showcases her mastery of unconventional materials—blending black ink accords with spiced rum, leather, and the evocative scent of aged books to create a rich, maritime-inspired composition.

With Rake & Ruin, a finalist at the 2019 Art and Olfaction Awards, she captures the spirit of 18th-century London through a fusion of botanical gin notes and smoky woods, evoking a world of decadence and intrigue.

Dunkley’s signature style is defined by the use of bold, often unconventional materials in high concentrations. Smoky, leathery, and animalic facets frequently shape her compositions, giving them a powerful and distinctive character.

Her fragrances are more than compositions—they are immersive narratives. Whether evoking historical figures like the Duke of Wellington in Iron Duke or capturing poetic atmospheres in Absent Presence, each creation tells a story that extends far beyond scent itself.