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On 14 May 1643, feastday of Saint Matthias the Apostle, Louis XIV ascended to the throne of France. The Sun King, as he came to be known to posterity, was the symbol of royal absolutism and French pomp and power. He left us Versailles, one of the world’s most legendary palaces and the visible trace of his aesthetic and political vision. A historical tidbit has it that the Château’s salons, boudoirs, alcoves and church were lighted by the candles made by a craftsman whose career also began in 1643: Claude Trudon of Paris. Apothecary and master candlemaker, Trudon selected the finest beeswaxes for his candles. The house’s motto, Deo regique laborant, reveals the mission of both bees and candles: to “work” for God and for the King. The company, which took on the name of Cire Trudon in 2007, is one of the most prominent, acclaimed and prestigious manufactures of handmade candles, characterised by distinctive fragrances. Trudon’s roots extend deep into the very heart of France. Since the beginning, they have drawn nourishment from science and imagination, experimentation and evolution, and from the many challenges that the company has faced and successfully surpassed. From the Bourbons to the House of Bonaparte and through the Revolution, Trudon candles have incessantly illuminated the halls of power. Even later, after the advent of the “Electricity Fairy”, they managed to affirm their own seductive identity: in 1889, at the peak of innovation euphoria, Trudon won a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exposition. And so on, to the present day: Trudon continues to innovate in terms of sustainability (Cire Trudon uses exclusively 100% biodegradable superfine wax of vegetable origin) and also from a cultural and aesthetic point of view. The names of
Trudon candles are inspired by some the most compelling, glorious and engaging stories of France: Carmélite, La Marquise, Trianon, Joséphine, Madeleine, Mademoiselle de la Vallière… each candle expresses a rare and highly personal olfactory identity. While Manon releases the scent of fresh laundry, Solis Rex evokes the parquetry in the halls of Versailles. Taking their cue from narrative, historical or artistic inspirations, new additions to the collection are introduced every year: candles, pillar candles, busts of French notables or room sprays. Every step in the manufacturing process at the Cire Trudon facilities in Normandy involves the skilled and impassioned work of specialised artisans. They prepare a prefect mix of molten wax and perfume, which they pour into precious glasses. After the wax is poured, the wicks have to be straightened by hand, because the heat from the wax makes them droop. Once the wax has solidified, the candles are packed one by one. “The artisans play a central role,” says Julien Pruvost, the company’s Managing Director. “None of this could happen without their invaluable work.” QUESTION What is the formula behind a product that is always contemporary, without ever losing its artisanal DNA? ANSWER I strongly believe in quality, authenticity and being open-minded. All of our products are made by hand in our factory in Normandy. We are committed to maximum quality in our choice of ingredients and components. In doing so, we simultaneously honour both the past and the present. Q. What is your starting point in creating a new collection? A. There are no rules and no method. We can be inspired by the past or simply by what surrounds us. It might be a theme, a book, an art exhibition, a historical character. In some cases the inspiration can be completely personal, straight out of our imagination. Q What are the steps in creating a vocabulary that reflects the name and history of Cire Trudon? A. Trudon has been creating candles for over 300 years. What allows us to exist and to endure through time lies in our past and in innovation. If you think about it, our entire history is a tale of progressive adaptation. Our ancestors were brave and creative entrepreneurs, and when we look ahead, we always turn to the past. This gives meaning and an objective to our creativity. Q. How do you interpret the expectations of your customers? A. Actually, we don’t. Our hope is to offer a glimpse into the world of home fragrances that appeals to people all over the world. We have a broad and ever growing collection. I believe our customers like us for our character, not because we target someone in particular. Q. How important are research and craftsmanship? A. All our products are necessarily handmade. Creating candles is a delicate activity, with a range of parameters that have to be constantly adjusted and controlled. It takes a great deal of experience and a tireless commitment to bring quality products to life: there are no shortcuts.
This page, a wax bust is given the final touches. Opposite page, steps in the production of candles, pillar candles and busts. The glasses are made in Italy at Vinci. The molten wax is mixed with the perfume and poured by hand into the glasses. The wax is prepared according to specific formulas to maximise its exceptional olfactory and burning qualities. The house’s emblem is inspired by a bas relief found at the old manufacture that used to belong to the Trudon family. Each candle is carefully checked before it is packed into its box.
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