Cleopatra's Boudoir: Les Parfums de Clamy, Creations d'Art

Philippe de Back, later known as Philippe Back de Surany, founded the prestigious company 'Les Parfums de Clamy, Creations d'Art' in 1913 in the renowned Arcade des Champs-Elysées in Paris. The company's name was trademarked earlier in 1900. Philippe de Back was born in Budapest in 1860 and passed away in Paris in 1956. His father was Maurice Back, and Philippe himself became a distinguished Egyptologist and businessman.

Philippe managed the Cairo branch of the Back Orosdi Institutions and was honored with knighthood by the Emperor of Austria in 1909. The company's factory, known as Fabrique de Parfumerie (Parfums de Clamy), was located at 30, avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris, with an additional manufacturing site in Asnières at 108, avenue d'Argenteuil. The business had Austrian origins and, at one point, was managed by a liquidator named M. Navarre.

Les Parfums de Clamy was renowned for its luxurious perfume presentations, often featuring exquisite bottles designed by the famous jeweler and artist Lucien Gaillard. Between 1915 and 1919, some of these bottles were further adorned with artwork by Robert and Sonia Delaunay, who were close friends with Philippe and his wife, reflecting the company's deep connections with contemporary art and culture.

In 1926, Philippe Back de Surany's youngest daughter, Germaine Carvaillo, took over the direction of 'Les Parfums de Clamy, Creations d'Art'. Despite her efforts, the business struggled to survive during the Great Depression and ultimately closed its doors in 1930. Following the closure, the company sold all its remaining essential oils and materials to Guerlain, a prominent name in the perfume industry.

In 1943, the remnants of 'Les Parfums de Clamy' were acquired by Grenoville, another established perfume house. This marked the end of an era for the company, which had been known for its luxurious and artistically designed perfume bottles and its connections with notable artists such as Robert and Sonia Delaunay.