Gouda Candles
Candleworks appeared shortly after 1850, especially in Gouda. The first of these was the “N.V. Stearine Kaarsenfabriek”. This was soon to follow by take-overs of other factories and in 1897 the firm received the designation ‘Royal’ following visits by Queens Emma and Wilhelmina. The next years saw success and failure exchanging in rapid succession. In 1936 the company suffered heavy fire; something that had already happened before, in 1884. The works were soon repaired, but in 1940 war broke out. Although the business was taken over in the ’50s its name remained Goudse Kaarsenfabriek and Gouda-Apollo candles continued to be very well-known until the early ’70s. Eventually the Bolsius candleworks acquired the works but they were allowed to continue to conduct business under the name of Gouda and Apollo candles.
Candles can be produced in various ways; a traditional one is candle-dipping. One or more wicks are dipped into a bowl of tallow at short intervals. During each of these intervals a slight amount of coagulation takes place and the next layer is formed. All this can be done in varying colours as well. The Cheese and Crafts Museum regularly arranges candle-dipping demonstrations on the first floor and you can make your own candles for a small fee. The candle corner also introduces you to a bit of candle history and is organised together with “De Vergulde Kaars” [The Gilt Candle], Gouda’s well-known candle (work)shop.
» return
Candles can be produced in various ways; a traditional one is candle-dipping. One or more wicks are dipped into a bowl of tallow at short intervals. During each of these intervals a slight amount of coagulation takes place and the next layer is formed. All this can be done in varying colours as well. The Cheese and Crafts Museum regularly arranges candle-dipping demonstrations on the first floor and you can make your own candles for a small fee. The candle corner also introduces you to a bit of candle history and is organised together with “De Vergulde Kaars” [The Gilt Candle], Gouda’s well-known candle (work)shop.» return
