Charles Farris: Industrial Chandlery and Manufacturing
“Founded in 1845 in Bishopsgate, London, Charles Farris is a specialist manufacturer of church and consumer candles. Now operating from a factory in Mere, Wiltshire, they remain a primary supplier to British cathedrals while producing a range of traditional and scented products that transition seamlessly from institutions to the domestic home.”
1. The Heritage
Charles Farris has manufactured candles for over 180 years, originally supplying the specific requirements of London’s prominent churches.
The company functions as a direct manufacturer and holds a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III - a continuation of appointments dating back to 1935.
While their roots are in the high altar, their manufacturing techniques ensure a grade of performance - such as slow burn times and minimal smoke - that is increasingly sought after for residential interiors.
2. The Location
While founded in London, the company’s manufacturing and administrative headquarters are now located in Mere, Wiltshire. This facility handles the production of their traditional ecclesiastical range as well as the research and development of their modern consumer fragrances.
3. The Difference
Ecclesiastical Standards for the Home: Their church candles are produced with high beeswax content (up to 25%) and unbleached varieties; these "industrial" specifications result in a superior, clean-burning candle for domestic dining settings.
Material Compliance: Manufacturing adheres to the standards of the British and European Candle-maker’s Federation to ensure a consistent, low-soot burn.
Fragrance Development: Consumer scents are developed in the UK, utilising profiles inspired by the company's historical Victorian-era archives.
Institutional Provenance: They provide custom chandlery directly to Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral, using the same wax formulations found in their retail collections.
4. The Hero Products
Beeswax Dining Candles: A signature domestic product, these tapered candles utilise a high beeswax percentage for a natural aroma and an exceptionally long, drip-free burn. They are a prime example of church-grade quality adapted for the dining table.
The Scented Collection: A consumer-facing range of luxury container candles and reed diffusers, such as the 'British Expedition' scent, manufactured in their Wiltshire facility.
Church Pillar Candles: Traditional, unfragranced pillars available in various beeswax percentages. These are designed for longevity in drafty cathedrals, making them equally durable for use in domestic fireplaces or hallways.
5. The Essentials
Royal Warrant Holder; Member of the British Candle Makers Federation.
Product Index: Scented candles, Reed Diffusers, Centrepiece Candles, Pillar Candles, 100% Beeswax Tapers, Church-Grade Dining Candles, Coloured Tapers (Red, Blue, Green), Altar Candles, Vegetable Wax Candles, Paschal Candles, Baptismal Candles, Sanctuary Lights, Candlesticks, Oil Lamps.
