Incensed at Scenting

Readers of Krier’s comprehensive article might be interested in knowing that the design trio of Charles Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard produced a multi-media cinema presentation (including “smellies”) for the University of Georgia in the late ‘50s.

The three-screen presentation, sidelined with large photo graphics, was emphasized with pertinent odors being fed through the air conditioning system of the small auditorium by Girard--exotic perfumes for the sequence of film down the Nile and incense for scenes of Gothic cathedrals. Topping off the show, as a teaser, were close-ups of hands breaking off chunks of freshly baked bread accompanied by that wonderful smell so characteristic of passing by a bakery. Not quite as inclusive as Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” feelies, but sensuous enough to send us all to the nearest bakery. A gut-wrenching experience indeed and a progenitor of scent (albeit so fleeting) as a titillation of our ancient sense of smell.

VIC GARWOOD

Pacific Palisades