In jails across northern England, scents are being used to unlock memories – and possibilities. The Perfume Stories project uses fragrance to spark reflection, creativity and glimpses of hope behind barsViolin rosin. “They smell a perfume, and I ask what it reminds them of. Sometimes it’s like a light going on.” O’Shaughnessy’s workshop participants are all serving time in prisons across the north of England. They’re empowered, and they come up with some great stories.” Memories are almost always positive, O’Shaughnessy says, men recalling better versions of themselves.