Rolling Candles, Rathborne Candles, circa 1896
Rolling wax to form a candle at the Rathborne Candles factory in Dunsinea. This photo is from approximately 1896.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.Rolling Candles, Rathborne Candles, circa 1896
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.
Rolling Candles, Rathborne Candles, circa 1896
Rolling wax to form a candle at the Rathborne Candles factory in Dunsinea. This photo is from approximately 1896.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.Many different materials have been used to make candles throughout history. Candles with wicks were first made by the ancient Egyptions 5000 years ago, when rolled papyrus was dipped into beeswax or tallow. There is evidence that in Asia, candle wax was extracted from insects and nuts.
Originally in Europe, candles were made mainly from tallow, which is animal fat, usually taken from cattle and sheep. These candles burned poorly and produced a foul smell. During the Middle Ages, European chandlers (candle makers) began to use beeswax to make candles. At this time, candles were becoming increasingly prevalent in religious ceremonies. Beeswax candles were a huge improvement on tallow because they burned well and had a pleasant smell. Due to the limited supply of beeswax, candles made from this material were generally used only by the wealthy and clerics.
The introduction of candle-making machines in the nineteenth century made candles more widely available and affordable. The process of making candles from animal fat was refined by the chemist Joseph Gay Lussac, which greatly improved their quality. The use of whale oil to make wax also improved candlemaking. Braided wicks were also introduced in the nineteenth century, which made it easier for candles to burn. In the mid-nineteenth century, paraffin wax was first used in candle making, leading to a further improvement in the quality of candles.
Today, candles are made from a broad range of waxes, including beeswax, vegetable wax, paraffin wax and gel waxes. Although the world is no longer reliant on candles as a source of light, except during power cuts, they are still popular. A broad range of candles is available. Candles are used today for their fragrance, decorative qualities and the atmosphere they provide. They are also still used widely for spiritual purposes by a wide variety of people. At a time when we are increasingly encouraged to limit our use of electricity to prevent climate change, perhaps the role of candles as an important source of light will be revisited.
Uses of Candles
Rathborne's Advertisement, 1950
An advertisement for Rathborne Candles that appeared in the Irish Hotelier in March, 1950.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.Rathborne's Advertisement, 1950
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.
Rathborne's Advertisement, 1950
An advertisement for Rathborne Candles that appeared in the Irish Hotelier in March, 1950.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.Rathborne Candles had a successful business because candles were essential to many aspects of everyday life. For example, they were used by miners to light their way through the dark passages deep in the earth. Miners also used candles to tell if there was enough oxygen in a passage or not. A flame needs oxygen in order to burn. If the flame of his candle flickered out, a miner knew that he needed to leave the mine or have a new air vent opened. One advantage of the old tallow candles was that they were edible. Miners could survive by eating their candles if they became trapped underground.
In 1616, the Candlelight Law was introduced to Dublin. Every fifth house had to display a light within certain hours for the benefit of people using the streets after dark. Public lighting was first introduced in 1697. A company was contracted to light Dublin's streets at night. Candles were used for this purpose until gas streetlamps were introduced in the early 1800's.
Advertisement for Rathborne's Altar Candles
As well as manufacturing candles for use in the home, Rathborne's also makes church candles. This is an old advertisement for Rathborne's altar candles.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.Advertisement for Rathborne's Altar Candles
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.
Advertisement for Rathborne's Altar Candles
As well as manufacturing candles for use in the home, Rathborne's also makes church candles. This is an old advertisement for Rathborne's altar candles.
Courtesy of The Lilliput Press, Dublin.During the 1800's and the early decades of the 1900's, candles were used in carriage lamps. The lamps were used mainly for decoration, as the light they provided was not very strong. Paraffin oil was also available at the time but many people preferred to use candles as they were cheaper, cleaner and safer.
When bicycles became common in the late 1880's, Rathborne Candles saw a gap in the market that they thought candles would fill. They introduced a candle-powered lamp to be used by cyclists. It was not very successful, as the light was faint and the flame was quickly extinguished by even a light breeze. Can you imagine riding your bike today while trying to keep a candle lit?