Hand-poured, vegan friendly and cruelty free, William West’s soy-based candles come in a range of scents, each carefully designed by the Berkshire company’s own in-house candle maker, Olga Line.
She said, “Our beautifully scented candles are a wonderful gift for Father’s Day as they help to create a beautifully fragranced space, inspired by some of his favourite things. Perfect to light and relax, each candle lasts for hours and is hand poured for an extra special touch.”
Inspired by Dorney Lake, which played host to the 2012 Olympic Rowing events, the Dorney Lake candle is reminiscent of a spring afternoon, laden with fruity notes of mandarin and lime, with base notes of basil to give an earthy addition. With a 65+ hours burn time, this candle can be enjoyed for weeks to come.
For dads who love nothing more than a cosy night in, the Castle Fireplace features a wooden wick which crackles as it burns. Steeped in history, it’s inspired by nearby Windsor Castle’s 300 fireplaces. The beautiful fireside scent can be enjoyed over a 65+ hours burn time.
Or, bring a taste of the exotic to this Father’s Day with the William West Tangier Lane candle, inspired by the historic city of Tangier. With Moroccan spices, tobacco and honey notes, this beautiful candle will fill dad’s space with a sense of adventure. It has a 65+ hours burn time.
]]>Who doesn’t relish this beautiful season and the chance to throw open the doors and windows to let in the fresh air, a chance to enjoy dinner al fresco and trips to the park or beach to relax and enjoy after the long winter?
Summer is an especially inspiring period for those who love to decorate their homes and switch up their style with the seasons as there is so much greenery and light in abundance. In addition to adding jugs of fresh blooms, brighter throws, lighter curtains and splashes of colour, the smell of your home can be given a makeover too.
Another great thing about this joyous season is the chance to switch from the more comforting scents of autumn and winter to light, bright, delicate fragrances which fill our homes with sunshine.
Here are a few of our favourite summer-ready scents to incorporate into your space over the next few months.
Rose
Is there anything that is more quintessential for a British summer than the luscious, fragrant and floral scent of rose? A traditional fragrance to be sure, it’s one that works all year round but we think it really comes into its own when the sun’s out.
Rose scented candles, such as our Jubilee Candle add a wonderful floral fragrance to your space, as if you were strolling through a rose garden on a warm day. They’re perfect for lounges, bedrooms and conservatories, orangeries or out houses.
Strawberry
It wouldn’t be summertime without plump red berries topped with pillowy, snowy white ice cream. Whether you prefer a bowl of decadent fruit as a snack or prefer your strawberries to bejewel a refreshing glass of pimps, it’s one of those fruity fragrances that will forever be inextricably linked with brighter days. This scent is perfect for kitchens, home offices, lounges and even bathrooms to add a pop of freshness. In our Eton Mess candle, we’ve also paired it with sweet notes of vanilla for the ultimate summer scent.
Lavender
Brushing past a blooming, heady Lavender plant with its intoxicating fragrance is one of the joys of summer. Evoking memories of vibrant fields blanketed in purple hues, lavender is also a relaxing, soothing fragrance. It’s perfect for the summer bedroom, especially if you struggle to drift off on the more humid, stuffier summer nights.
]]>The candle, which is inspired by the official flower of the Jubilee year, the Hybrid Tea Rose, features a sweet, delicate rose scent with deliciously bright notes of champagne. It was created by the historic Eton candle maker to mark the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations which will take place on Thursday 02 – Sunday 05 June 2022.
The soy candle is vegan and gluten free, and hand poured. To add an extra special touch, it comes in a beautifully regal purple packaging with a Union Jack design. It has a 40-hour burn-time and sustainable cotton wick and will gently scent the home with fragrance.
The William West Candles team will also have a range of other hand-poured candles for sale at the Artisan Craft Fair, which takes place on Maidenhead High Street (SL6 1) from 11am – 4pm with free parking in the city centre. A range of talented local producers will be on hand, with handcrafted jewellery and other personalised products
The William West Jubilee candle costs £34.99.
]]>Here at William West Candles, we’re equally proud of our own long history in candle making. These historic roots are deeply interwoven with each candle we make, where our modern collection of candles is today made on the same site where candles have been made since 1661.
In today’s feature, we’re sitting down with our very own William West candle maker, Olga. She brings her artistic talent and nose for fragrance to our collection and works to develop our signature lines along with special candles to mark notable events, such as the Jubilee Candle launched to commemorate HRH The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
You may have also seen Olga in the press recently as a result of her work creating the Flame of Freedom, a charity candle launched to raise funds for Olga’s birthplace, Ukraine.
Let’s chat!
What type of training did you have to undertake? How long did it take?
I attended many different candle making workshops hosted by manufacturers and qualified candlemakers over the years. I have also experimented a great deal, perfecting my method and learning more about how different scents pair together. Candle making is quite an artistic profession, so it’s something that you can enjoy practising with.
How long have you been at William West?
I have been here making William West candles for 18 months now.
What inspires you when you're working on new fragrances and scents?
I’m based in Windsor/Eton so I mainly base my fragrances on things connected to the area and to surrounding areas, such as Dorney. There is a lot of history here and I find that very inspiring.
How do you decide which scents go together?
Pairing fragrances and scents really is a process of trail and error. Sometimes you have a combination that you wouldn’t think works well together, but then you pair them and it does. When I am creating new fragrances, it’s important to know what others think, too. I have a few loyal existing customers and I give my new scents to test out and give me feedback. This part of the process is important and is something I really enjoy.
What makes the perfect William West candle?
For me, I would say it’s a combination of how the candle looks such as how the colours work aesthetically along with the way I make the candle. I spend a lot of time burning candles testing out various wicks and waxes so we’re always trying to improve and offer an even better product.
What scents do you have burning most frequently at home?
This changes daily and really depends on what mood I’m in and what fragrance I am wanting to smell that day. I would say right now it’s our Jubilee candle as we are approaching the special event and I feel like it’s definitely one of my favourites.
What tips do you have for someone choosing a candle for their home?
Make sure that the smell is something that you enjoy and that makes you happy, something that calms you down and you could smell all day. Also don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. Layering different fragrances around the home can create a sense of different environments.
Why do you choose to hand pour your candles?
The reason I choose to hand pour our candles is because there are so many elements that must be correct and I feel like this can only be achieved hand poured.
What is a typical day like for you?
The very first thing I do when I arrive is process any orders that have come in overnight. I get these packaged carefully and sent off to the buyer. I can then spend the rest of my day making candles.
Are you working on any new fragrances or products right now that you're excited about?
I’m excited to see our Jubilee Candle launch. That’s for sale now and I am really looking forward to hearing customer feedback.
Apart from a good nose for fragrance, what else does it take to be a good candle maker?
Attention to detail is key. I like to make sure every candle that is made and sold is crafted to the highest quality I can offer. The wax must be poured at the correct temperature and the amount of fragrance added to each candle has to be just right.
How does working in the Cockpit influence your creativity?
Knowing that candles have been created in the building for over 300 years really is inspiring. It’s something that we really lean into at William West. We definitely have a real appreciation for the legacy and heritage of the space and when the building renovation is complete, we’re planning to host classes so others can tap into that inspiration and have a go at creating their own candles, too.
]]>Whether you’re hoping to maximise the space, make sure your guests get plenty of sleep, or don’t know what theme to choose for your decorating, here are a few simple yet effective ideas to make your guest room work for you!
Use a decorative mirror
Mirrors are great for adding some light to a room, as well as creating the illusion of space. This is sure to appeal if you’ve got a smaller guest bedroom, but even the most spacious of rooms can be maximised with a couple of well-placed wall mirrors.
Opt for a comfy bed
A big part of building your guest room is choosing the right bed, so guests can always get a good night’s sleep! Shop around and be aware of the space you have available, as well as any budget concerns.
Do you want a large bed or one you can fold away for safe storage when using the room for other purposes?
Add some scented candles
Decorating your guest bedroom is all about setting the perfect scene for a relaxing stay. You want your visitors to feel welcome, and to know you always have a comfortable space where loved ones can unwind while they visit.
Scented candles are a great way to add some ambiance to the room.
Choose your favourite scent and put the unlit candle in a prominent, well-ventilated area of your guest bedroom ready for your next visitors.
Choose a theme
A theme will help you bring your creative ideas to life. It’s the ideal starting point for any design refresh. Think of what kind of look you want to achieve, and work from there. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, take a look at design magazines and websites for a glimpse at what’s possible.
If you don’t plan to decorate the rest of your house, consider matching your guest room with any existing theme you have throughout the property. Maybe your style is neutral, or you’re into more of an eclectic look for your domestic spaces?
Whatever you choose, think about how this will work within the confines of the room you have available. Timelessness is often a good approach to aim for when decorating a guest room, as you want it to suit many different people.
]]>Each of our candles is sustainably crafted and lovingly made, bringing centuries of artisan tradition into the 21st century.
]]>Read on to discover what scents from the William West range we’ll be investing in as the weather starts to heat up…
Roses are one of the most beautiful sights in England during the spring and summer, so why not bring that lasting scent into your home?
Our Windsor Rose fragrance embodies the summer feeling, offering fresh and invigorating notes of rose. The scent is inspired by the rose bushes you’ll find in the grounds of Windsor Castle, making them an indulgent and suitably regal treat for the senses.
This is one of our steadfast favourites for the season, with fruity notes of Mandarin and lime transporting you to a scented spring afternoon.
We’ve also added an earthier note, basil, to help centre the fragrance. We gave this candle a very special name, tied to a very special event.
Dorney Lake was created by Eton College, and it’s here that the 2012 Olympics hosted its rowing events. Ten years on, you’ll find lots to explore around the lake, making it the ideal place to spend a lazy summers day.
Bring the magic of Dorney Lake into your own home with this stunning scented candle.
The story behind our Eton Mess candle stretches back to a cricket match between Eton College and Harrow, the first time the dish that would come to be known as ‘Eton Mess’ was served.
Our candle mimics some of the aromas we associate with this iconic dessert, including notes of strawberry and vanilla for an indulgent treat that’s (almost) good enough to eat.
William West candles are inspired by the history and heritage of Eton, and handmade in Eton’s oldest building, The Cockpit.
Each of our candles is sustainably crafted and lovingly made, bringing centuries of artisan tradition into the 21st century.
Not only are our candles the perfect way to bring some spring/summer scents into your home, but each candle comes complete with a decorative presentation box, making it ideal for gifting or treating yourself.
Ready to pick your new favourite candle? Browse our extended range online now. Which one will become your home essential?
]]>Giving yourself the time to relax and unwind is essential for good mental and physical health. Here’s a closer look at some of the things to consider when organising your own self-care ritual.
Get enough sleep
Whether you function best on a solid eight hours sleep or do just fine on six, work out how much sleep you need and prioritise it.
A lack of sleep can have dramatic and damaging effects on our health and productivity. Set an alarm clock to remind you of your bedtime and be as regular about it as you can be.
If you need to wind down before going to sleep, factor that into your self-care ritual. It’s a good idea to limit screen time for an hour or so before you intend to head to bed. You could also try putting on some relaxing music, taking a warm bath and spending a short period stretching or practising mindfulness, with a calming candle to scent your space. Lavender is known to promote relaxation and is a soothing, gentle fragrance perfect to help you drift off.
Dress well
Since the Covid pandemic, many people have fallen into bad habits with their personal presentation. Caring about what you wear doesn’t just have to be reserved for days when you have big meetings or big events – instead, add a little bit of good grooming into the everyday.
Each day, be sure to get dressed properly – even if you have nowhere to go. On rare occasions, it’s fun to spend the day in pyjamas. But if you make a habit of it, then that will only leave you feeling depressed and unkempt.
Get some exercise
Exercise is a vital component of good health, so whether you’re an avid walker or prefer swimming, cycling or a more offbeat hobby, be sure to incorporate a workout into your routine.
This will leave you feeling energised and ready to take on whatever challenges life brings your way, as well as improving your physical health.
If you’re not a fan of the gym, there’s no need to worry – with so many options out there to choose from, you’re sure to find something that’ll suit your personality and interests.
Feed your mind
We are all impacted by the things we absorb from the media we consume. With so many distractions, we can easily be sent off track and find our mood impacted by events outside of our control, and the opinions of people we don’t know.
Consciously consume books, TV, movies and more that make you feel more positive about the world around you and your place in it. This doesn’t mean becoming apathetic, but it will make you feel better and more capable of finding real solutions to your problems.
]]>Here’s a closer look at some of our favourite ways to reuse and upcycle long after the flame is gone…
Use the jars for storage
Running low on space? Everyone needs extra storage, and a candle jar provides a handy place to stow away small trinkets and items that could otherwise be lost.
Before you get started, be sure to clean away all traces of wax that could transfer onto your belongings. Not only will this prevent contamination of scents or the wax itself, but it’ll also help create a clean ‘canvas’ for any design elements you decide to add to your jar.
Maybe you want to paint yours in a vibrant colour, or perhaps you’d rather keep it au naturel? Match your jar decoration to your home décor. If you have the creative chops, let your imagination run wild!
Meet your new garden planter
Your jar is also a ready-made garden planter. After getting rid of the wax, next dispense with the lid and then add some soil to the jar, watering it ready for planting. Next up, pop in some of your favourite seeds or plants. We recommend choosing small plants and flowers for this project, so you don’t have to re-pot them too often!
Transform it into a vase
You can turn your jar into a vase with relative ease. Simply remove the wax and add a few of your favourite flowers and a little water.
Consider adding decorative accents like beads to give some sparkle and lustre to the jar. This is also a great activity for children, giving them a chance to express themselves and see the results come to life!
How about wrapping a bow around the jar or painting it with chalk-finish paint for a rustic look?
There are some wonderful ways to repurpose and reuse your jars, preventing waste and helping to create a unique yet practical talking point for your home.
Established in 1661, William West Candles remains a leading name in candle manufacture. Based in the Cockpit, Eton, our soy candles are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Browse our full range in our online store.
]]>We love parties, so we’ve compiled this brief guide to the essentials you need for your upcoming Jubilee garden or street party!
Create your own bunting
What is a royal event without some vibrant, decorative bunting? This is an area where we advise you to get crafty – pick up some cute paper and go wild! If you’re anxious about making your own bunting, then there’s plenty available in shops, particularly in the lead-up to the Jubilee. Hang it in key focus areas at the event to add a bit of instant visual appeal.
Add some candles
Candles help to set the mood of the event. Choose a scent that matches the time of day and tone of the party, and dot them around the venue or place on the table.
Remember that candles don’t need to be reserved for formal evening events, but work just as well for adding a bit of ambiance to your Jubilee garden or street party.
Organise a celebratory feast
Whether you’re hosting the celebrations or heading to someone else’s party, great food and drink is a must. Think delicious cakes, tasty sandwiches, and free-flowing drinks to give the event a true party atmosphere.
Carefully consider any dietary requirements ahead of time. Are there any vegans or vegetarians attending? Do you need the menu to be gluten-free (or include gluten-free options)? Ask around and be sure to include some variety. The same rule applies to drinks, so add some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to keep all the guests happy.
Whether you’re making or ordering it, a great cake is a must. Make yours the centrepiece of the day or ask guests to bring along some tasty treats of their own for a more collaborative affair.
Choose fun decorations
Alongside the bunting, the cake and the candles, you’ll also want to add some fun decorations. Union flags are popular during Jubilee events, and anything bright and colourful is sure to make the perfect summer splash!
Get people involved
Collaborate for the event! The Jubilee parties of old always brought together local communities, so why shouldn’t yours do the same? Invite your neighbours to take part and ask friends and family to help out and make the day a roaring success.
]]>To get the best from your candle collection, here’s a few top tips from the experts at William West…
Light your candle the right way
Think lighting a candle is pretty straightforward? Think again! There’s a definite method to getting it right, ensuring you achieve the longest life from your candle and don’t make a mess in the process.
Firstly, make sure your candle is in a safe area. Check the surface you’re placing it on is resistant to heat. Candles are generally best kept in a dedicated candle holder, to help protect them and the surfaces around them.
Next up, check the candle wick length. If it’s too long, this could present a fire hazard. The wick should be ¼ inch or 5mm. When you light the candle, strike your match or flick the lighter, turning the candle sideways to help prevent yourself from being burned.
When the candle is lit, place it back onto the safe surface.
Be careful with your containers!
Don’t put burning candles in glass containers, unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.
There are plenty of glass candleholders on the market, but they’ve been tempered to handle the high temperatures that your candle will emit while lit. If in doubt, go for another material.
Not sure how to store your candles?
Cool, dark, dry spaces are best for keeping your candles in the best condition. Some types of candle also need to be protected from warping, so store them flat whenever possible.
Keeping your candles away from strong sources of light and heat will prevent them from melting and losing shape, and it will also keep their colours vibrant.
Don’t leave burning candles unattended
They can be knocked over easily, so be sure to place your candles somewhere that you can keep an eye on them, away from drafts – and make sure your candles are safely stowed where children and pets can’t reach them.
Why shouldn’t you blow out candles?
It’s standard practice…right? No! Blowing out candles can prompt lots of smoke. The smoke is also the wick smouldering and burning itself out. It can also cause the wick to fall down into the candle wax and solidify. Instead of blowing out the candles, opt for a wick snuffer to extinguish the flame.
Ready to get started? Shop our beautiful candle collection now!
]]>The Jubilee Candle takes its cue from the Hybrid Tea Rose, which the longest-serving UK monarch hand selected to serve as the official flower of the historic milestone. Along with the sweet, delicate rose scent, William West’s Jubilee Candle also features bright notes of champagne, in deference to the nationwide celebrations and festivities to be held Thursday 02 – Sunday 05 June 2022.
Fittingly, the celebratory soy candle is hand poured in its own historic venue in Eton, the timber-framed, 15th century Cockpit which has been home to candle makers since 1661.
Candle maker Olga Line said, “Like the rest of the country, we’re very much looking forward to partaking in the weekend of festivities to mark the Platinum Jubilee and couldn’t think of a better way to mark the occasion than to create a special candle inspired by Her Majesty. The delicate scent is intended to reflect her grace and poise, while also reflecting the royal connection to our Windsor location.”
Vegan and cruelty free, the Jubilee candle is beautifully packaged with a regal purple and white Union Jack design, making it a wonderful keepsake. It has a 40-hour burn-time and sustainable cotton wick and will gently scent the home with fragrance.
The Jubilee candle costs £34.99.
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The Platinum Jubilee
A jubilee is an important milestone marking a monarch’s reign. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver Jubilee, signifying 25 years on the throne, in 1977, followed by her Golden Jubilee marking 50 years in 2002, and her 60-year Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Events are typically held on or around the 2nd of June, reflecting The Queen’s coronation which took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 2nd June 1953.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks 70 years of service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Not only is this a tremendous milestone, but Her Majesty is also the first ever British monarch to celebrate such a wonderful and important occasion.
The longest reigning monarch before Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee marking 60 years on the throne in 1897, four years before her death in 1901. Prior to this, the longest reigns were held by George III, Henry III, Edward III, and James VI, who all reached their Golden Jubilees. However, very little - if anything - is known about the events that took place to mark the occasions.
Jubilees were originally little more than a practicality; a method for managing inherited land. Today, they are a cause for celebration. The first public celebration of a jubilee came in 1935, when George V’s Silver Jubilee was marked with parties, pageants, fetes, and a public holiday. This year, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee is a reason for us all to come together, commemorate the occasion, and recognise the work of The Queen. And let’s be honest… couldn’t we all use a reason to celebrate?
Inspiring Our Collection
As part of these fantastic celebrations, The Queen has hand selected a special rose to mark her upcoming jubilee. A stunning Hybrid Tea Rose has been chosen as the official flower of the event. With a delicate light pink hue and sweet aroma, coupled with large, bold petals and a robust stem, the rose is understood to reflect Her Majesty’s strength, determination, and graceful attitude. And at William West Candles, we can’t think of anything better to inspire our soy candle collection.
Our celebratory Jubilee Candle has been inspired by the Royal Family’s love for our country’s national flower. Hand poured in Eton, this special edition candle features fresh notes of rose, with one sniff transporting you to a classic English rose garden, along with a hint of decadent champage.
The English Rose
While we can’t know for certain when the Royal Family’s passion for roses first began, what we do know is that the foundation for the iconic rose garden at Windsor Castle’s East Terrace was first laid in 1824. Designed by architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville, the garden was originally developed for King George IV. The garden as we know it now was redesigned after the war, with no less than 3500 rose bushes planted.
The garden contains many different types of rose, each with their own unique colour and scent. Some of the most well-known roses in the garden are named for members of the Royal Family, such as Princess Alexandra of Kent, or celebrated public figures, such as author Roald Dahl. However, undoubtedly the most famous rose planted at Windsor is the Duke of Edinburgh Rose. This was presented to Her Majesty by the Royal Horticultural Society, and planted in honour of Prince Philip, The Queen’s husband of 73 years, on what would have been his 100th birthday in 2021.
Ready to Celebrate?
Plans are underway for a huge nationwide celebration during the Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, which will take place from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The weekend will kick off with The Queen’s Birthday Parade and come to a close with The Platinum Jubilee Pageant and a performance of ‘God Save The Queen’.
In between, of course, will be four jam-packed days of events up and down the country. In fact, official records show that there are almost 2000 public events planned for the long weekend, along with more than 1500 street parties!
One of the best ways that we can all get involved and join in the celebration is by lighting the William West Windsor Rose candle. Arriving lovingly packaged in a special gift box, the 300g soy candle will release a beautiful fresh rose aroma in honour of Her Majesty and the 70 years of service she has given to our country.
Our candles are 100% cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and sustainably made. Order yours today on our website, or browse our other candles, hand poured in Eton.
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Ukrainian born Olga Line who lives in Eton, is hand making Flame Of Freedom candles in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to raise urgent funds for humanitarian aid for Ukrainians. The Flame Of Freedom candles are available on our website, with all proceeds going directly to go directly to humanitarian causes via the UNICEF Emergency Appeal to protect children.
Olga said: “All of my family are over there and when this war started I knew I wanted to donate money to Ukraine and thought I’d make and sell these candles to raise funds to help.
“It’s such a horrible situation, I check with my family every day, every hour, and it’s really hard to hear what is going on and what they’re going through.”
“My aunt has stage four cancer, she needed her next chemotherapy treatment but she can’t go to the hospital because Russia could bomb at any point.”
“So my cousin and her husband took the medicine to my aunt and had to do the treatment from home.”
Olga said that she feels "useless" being in England and wanted to be able to help her family in some way as well as other people in Ukraine who are also suffering. She started making the candles, and not longer after the press coverage began, initially appearing on BBC News to promote the Flame of Freedom Candles. Watch the video to see more on why this is so important and close to Olga.
William West has appeared again on BBC News, most recently covering Olga's 16 year old niece who travelled on her own, through four countries to safely arrive at her new home in Eton. Even though she is now safe, she is still very concerned for her parents.
The Flame of Freedom may burn low at times but it must never be extinguished. Purchase your own Flame Of Freedom candle for £30 and you will be contributing to make sure it will always burn brightly. All proceeds are donated to humanitarian causes via the UNICEF Emergency Appeal.
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