Inventor of Eau de Cologne perfume. Born in Italy, he moved to Cologne in 1706, working for his uncle, but then in 1714 joining his brother Johann Baptist Farina's trading company, founded in 1709, which became "Johann Maria Farina gegenüber dem Jülichs-Platz", now the oldest existing perfumery and cologne producer in the world. In 1708, in Cologne, he developed his new fragrance, which he eventually named Eau de Cologne (Water of Cologne) in honor of his adopted city, which had been produced by the Farina company since 1709. It was a huge success. By 1744, it was known all over Europe and the company supplied this product to many royal households. He took over the business in 1733 after the death of his brother, and was given full citizenship rights in Cologne two years later (rare for a foreigner). By the time of his own death, Eau de Cologne had become the company's main business. He died childless, but the company remains in the hands of the family. His formula is still a closely guarded company secret. He is honored by his adopted hometown with a statue on Cologne's city hall.
Inventor of Eau de Cologne perfume. Born in Italy, he moved to Cologne in 1706, working for his uncle, but then in 1714 joining his brother Johann Baptist Farina's trading company, founded in 1709, which became "Johann Maria Farina gegenüber dem Jülichs-Platz", now the oldest existing perfumery and cologne producer in the world. In 1708, in Cologne, he developed his new fragrance, which he eventually named Eau de Cologne (Water of Cologne) in honor of his adopted city, which had been produced by the Farina company since 1709. It was a huge success. By 1744, it was known all over Europe and the company supplied this product to many royal households. He took over the business in 1733 after the death of his brother, and was given full citizenship rights in Cologne two years later (rare for a foreigner). By the time of his own death, Eau de Cologne had become the company's main business. He died childless, but the company remains in the hands of the family. His formula is still a closely guarded company secret. He is honored by his adopted hometown with a statue on Cologne's city hall.
Bio by: Kenneth Gilbert
Gravesite Details
Since 1810 - from Lorenzplatz graveyard. Close to factory.
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