Mary Chess[1] (December 27, 1878 – January 12, 1964) was an American perfumer who made fragrances using all natural ingredients.
[3] In London she became famous for her sculpted metal flowers which she sold to the Queen Mother.
[4] While in London Chess sent her daughter Carley to study with Nadia Boulanger, despite the composer's pessimistic assessment of the girl's aptitude for music.
[5] In the end Carley did not pursue a musical career but instead became a writer of children's books.
[7] Mary Chess started making perfumes in New York in 1932 after she was disappointed by the insipid aroma of a bottle of toilet water.