Duckworths of Chiswick

Finest handmade soaps crafted in Chiswick, inspired by beekeeping.

The world of the honey bee is a prime example of nature’s genius. I cannot remember when I first thought of keeping bees, but when the children left home, I had the time, and the moment was right. I was very well taught at the Bee Club, so had success from the beginning, and the amount of honey I can harvest from the three hives in my garden is astonishing.

Beekeepers traditionally make soap, so I learnt how to make soap at a workshop run for beekeepers. But the secret is in the recipe. Soap can either dry the skin or fall apart in the soap dish if the recipe is wrongly balanced so I had to experiment.

My soap is made from food grade vegetable oils sustainably produced, honey, milk, and of course fragrance. All through the day, a waft of scent from a quick hand wash is a moment to enjoy. Why do I love my soap? Because it is mild enough to make hand cream almost unnecessary for me, even in the winter. It has a beautiful lather, and is firm enough to keep its shape and last for ages.