What Is The Professional Name For A Candle Maker?
In this article, we will be discussing the professional name for someone who makes candles for a living. While some may know candle makers simply as “chandlers”, this term actually has a more specific meaning referring to those who work with wax rather than other candle materials.
We will explore the origins of the word “chandler” and its evolution over time. Though candle making dates back thousands of years, the emergence of chandlers as a specialized trade is more recent. We’ll learn about how candle making developed into a skilled craft during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, requiring training and organization into guilds.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the nuanced terminology used to describe different types of historic and modern candle makers. You’ll also have a deeper appreciation for the art and science behind candle making.
Origin of Chandlery
The term “chandler” dates back to the medieval period and originally referred to someone who made and sold candles. The word comes from the Old French word “chandelier,” meaning candle. Back then, candles were an essential commodity for providing light (The Free Dictionary).
There were different types of chandlers. Tallow chandlers specifically made candles from animal fat or tallow. Wax chandlers specialized in candles made from beeswax. The wax chandlers formed their own Worshipful Company in London in the 1400s and were considered to have a higher status than tallow chandlers (The Free Dictionary).
So a chandler was the medieval name for a professional candle maker, whether they worked with tallow, wax, or other materials. The term distinguished them from regular merchants and signified their specialized trade in candle making and selling.
Candle Making Through History
Candles have been used as a source of light for thousands of years. The earliest candle-like devices were found in caves, where they were created by soaking string like materials with animal fat. According to https://candlewic.com/about-candlewic/history-of-candlemaking/, evidence of candles made from whale fat date back to 3000 BC in some Asian and European societies.
Major innovations in candle making emerged in the Middle Ages in Europe. Beeswax candles became popular, providing a cleaner burning candle than those made from animal fats. Wicks were braided to help prevent guttering, and candles were placed in the first candle holders. Candle molds were later developed, allowing chandlers to create candles in specific shapes and sizes. The profession of chandler emerged during this time.
In the 18th century, spermaceti, a waxy substance from sperm whales, became popular for candle making. Late in the century, paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, was introduced. Paraffin revolutionized the candle industry since it was an inexpensive wax that burned cleanly. In the 19th century, paraffin largely replaced other types of wax for candle making.
While candles declined in the 20th century with the emergence of electric lighting, innovation in candle making continues today. Soy and vegetable-based waxes have grown in popularity as clean burning and renewable alternatives. Candle making remains an artistic craft as well as a profession.
Emergence of the Wax Chandler
As candle making developed through the Middle Ages, there was increasing demand for higher quality wax candles. Tallow candles made from animal fat were smoky, foul smelling, and unsuitable for churches and royal courts. Beeswax candles burned much cleaner and brighter, but were more expensive to produce. This led to the emergence of a new trade, the wax chandler. Wax chandlers specialized in making candles from beeswax rather than tallow. They devoted their craft to producing the finest quality wax candles to meet the needs of monasteries, churches, and nobility.
Wax chandlers distinguished themselves from tallow chandlers by exclusively using wax. They developed specialized skills in purifying and bleaching wax to achieve the whitest color. The wax chandlers formed their own guilds and came to dominate the candle making trade in England by the 1500s. Their wax candles were vastly superior in quality and burned so cleanly that they came to symbolize purity. The wax chandlers played a key role in transforming candle making from a humble trade to a specialized craft.
Candle Making Today
Modern candle making primarily utilizes paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. Paraffin is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with compared to materials used historically like beeswax and tallow. Most candles today are made via an automated process rather than by hand.
Machines are now used for nearly every step of manufacturing candles. The development of various candle making machines in the mid-1800s helped transform candle production from small batch artisanal efforts to large scale factory production. Some key innovations include wicking machines, molds cut by machine rather than hand, and dippers to repeatedly dip and cool candles in an assembly line.
While paraffin wax dominates today, other materials are also used including beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax. Natural waxes like beeswax create candles considered higher quality, but at a higher cost. Wicks are typically cotton that may be braided or flat.
Contemporary Terminology
The term “chandler” for a candle maker is now rarely used and considered archaic. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of “chandler” was in the 14th century. As candle making became more industrialized, “chandler” fell out of popular usage.
Today, most people simply refer to someone who makes candles as a “candle maker.” Some other contemporary terms used are “candle artisan,” “candle crafter,” or “candle artist” to refer to those who handmake higher-end artistic candles. People who make candles as a hobby may call themselves “home candle makers.” In summary, “chandler” has been replaced by more modern terminology in the candle making industry today.
The Candle Making Process
Candle making today typically follows these key steps:
- Preparing the wax – The wax, often paraffin or soy, is melted and heated to the proper temperature for blending any additives.
- Adding scents and colors – Once the wax is melted, fragrance oils and dye blocks can be added for scent and color.
- Preparing the wick – The wick, often made of cotton, is cut to size and attached to the bottom of the mold.
- Pouring the wax – Once the wax is blended and scented, it is carefully poured into the prepared mold.
- Cooling and curing – The candle sets up as it cools, then it cures for 24-48 hours.
- Finishing – Once cured, the candle can be trimmed and finished with decorations.
The proper temperatures and careful pouring are crucial steps, so many candle makers use thermometers designed for the process (source). Overall, contemporary production relies on many of the same essential techniques used throughout history.
Types of Candle Makers
There are several different types of professional candle makers, each with their own specialties and skills:
Artisan Candle Makers – These create handmade, artistic candles, focusing on unique designs, scents, and visual appeal. They use creative techniques like hand-pouring and embedding botanicals. Artisan candle makers differentiate themselves through their artistic vision and high-quality, handcrafted products
Commercial Candle Makers – These produce candles on a larger scale, whether for retail, private label, or contract manufacturing. They use equipment for efficient, high-volume production while maintaining quality standards. Commercial makers are skilled at consistency, process management, and meeting production timelines.
Custom Candle Makers – These specialize in made-to-order and personalized candles. They work directly with clients to create customized scents, colors, shapes, and designs. Key skills include flexibility, custom formulation, and client service.
In contrast to professional candle makers, hobbyists create candles occasionally for personal enjoyment or small-scale gifting. While serious hobbyists gain significant skills, professionals are distinguished by candle-making as their primary livelihood and their commitment to the trade full-time.
Professionals complete training, obtain business licensing and insurance, invest in commercial equipment, and adhere to industry safety and quality standards. They have the expertise to produce consistent, high-quality candles at scale that meet consumer expectations.
Education and Training
There are a few pathways to becoming a professional candle maker. While no specific education is required, taking classes and workshops can help develop the necessary skills.
Many community centers, craft stores, and some colleges offer basic and advanced courses in candle making. For example, Indeed Career Guide suggests taking a candle making class at a local craft store to learn techniques and safety precautions (https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/become-candle-maker). Hands-on classes provide an opportunity to gain experience with different waxes, wicks, fragrances, molds, and coloring techniques before investing in supplies.
Some formal education options include certificate programs or associate’s degrees in candle making, though these are less common. For instance, the Tucson School of Candle Making offers a certificate program covering areas like basic candle construction, aroma blending, and business practices (https://www.tucareers.com/ncocareers/7318.0100). An artistic, chemistry, or small business background can also help develop relevant skills.
Ultimately, continuous hands-on practice and learning from experienced candle makers helps develop expertise in the craft. There are many educational resources available, from online tutorials to books to mentorships.
Conclusion
To summarize, the traditional term for a professional candle maker was a “chandler”, derived from the Latin word for candle, candela. Chandlers were an important trade guild in medieval times when candles were a primary source of light. However, as candle making evolved from a skilled trade to more of an artisanal craft, the terminology has shifted as well. Today, a professional candle maker is more commonly referred to as just that – a candle maker or candle artisan. The term chandler has become somewhat outdated and obscure, whereas candle maker immediately conveys the modern practice of hand-crafting candles as artistic products rather than purely functional items.
In conclusion, while chandler does have historical significance, most professional candle makers today prefer to use the contemporary terms candle maker or wax artisan to describe their creative profession focused on candle design, fragrance, and aesthetics.
