Perfumería Gal

Salvador Echeandía Gal, born in 1867 in Irún, was a visionary entrepreneur who, along with his brothers, founded a drugstore in his early years. In 1898, Salvador established Perfumeria Gal in Madrid with his brother Eusebio, crafting their first product, a hair restorer for men. Salvador was known for personally introducing and promoting his products to the elite of the capital. As the company grew, Salvador expanded the product range to include perfumes, soaps, powders, and more. The soap "Heno de Pravia" and Eau de Cologne became popular offerings. Salvador believed in taking care of his employees, providing them with progressive benefits for that time period. Under Salvador's leadership, Perfumeria Gal flourished, becoming a purveyor to the Spanish royal family in 1925 and expanding to the Americas in the late 1920s. Besides "Heno de Pravia," the brand's fragrances like "Flores del Campo" and "Flauta" gained widespread recognition. Despite his success, Salvador remained a private family man, residing near the company headquarters with his wife and daughters. The Museo Perfumeria Gal was established to preserve the brand's legacy, showcasing exquisite perfume bottles and artworks by renowned artists. The company faced challenges during the Spanish Civil War but was rebuilt, with production continuing in Alcalá de Henares. In 2001, Puig acquired Perfumeria Gal, continuing to produce the iconic "Heno de Pravia." Today, the Alcalá de Henares building serves as a museum, attracting visitors to admire the brand's rich history and artistic collaborations.