A candle collection inspired by the art of William Morris has long been a goal of mine. I first encountered Morris and the Pre-Raphaelite movement while studying art in college and was immediately captivated by the rich stories and history that surrounded the group. Following graduation, I had the great fortune to work at the Delaware Art Museum, home to the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite objects outside of Britain, and where my appreciation of Morris deepened. My study of his life and art has now spanned decades, so I’m pleased to finally release a candle collection inspired by his legacy.

I started designing fragrances for this in the early days of COVID. Initially, my intention was to make items that catered to pandemic-related needs, such as soaps, lotions, and similar products. But the challenges of designing for new, unfamiliar products and the relentless chaos of those times led to me abandoning the project.

In the midst of relaunching the brand this year, I revisited the idea, but as a candle collection. The finished collection contains six Morris patterns, with three designed by the man himself, and three by his associates, John Henry Dearle, Kate Faulkner, and Kathleen Kersey. The nature-inspired aesthetic of these patterns lends easily to fragrance interpretation. Strawberry Thief is an herbal berry scent, Seaweed is a fresh, aquatic kelp scent, Marigold is a crisp green floral made with genuine marigold oil, etc.

The overall character of the group leans towards light and calming. Even the spicy outlier, Birch & Ginger Root, has a strong honey and apple top that brightens the entire fragrance. While I don’t think you need to be bound by seasonal styles, these candles are perfect for spring and summer.

Until next time,
Yours truly,

Charles