Zelino 1893
About the project
Heritage, nature and candle making
We bring together research into the works, river and park, preparing to conserve the historic site and revive wax and candle production.
Heritage and support
Our programmes
Researching the history
We check archival sources, study the works and park, and publish material with verified rights.
History and sourcesPreserving the complex
We bring together building records and prepare the research needed to make informed conservation decisions.
Buildings and recordsContinuing the tradition
We study candle making and wax processing to preserve knowledge of the materials, equipment and purpose of historic production.
Candles and beeswax
Connecting past and future
The candle-making and beeswax tradition
Zelino 1893 is a project to continue the candle-making and beeswax tradition of the works. Their history guides our approach to future production: care for the material, the form and the purpose of each candle.
The Staritsa Candle Works originally supplied candles to churches of the military and naval departments. Today, the Zelino 1893 project brings the study of that history and the preservation of the factory buildings together with plans for future production. Continuing the tradition means preserving the memory of this place and giving candle making and beeswax a renewed role in its life.
Candles
We research candle making and its place in the life of the works. Future production is envisaged around beeswax, historic forms and the candle’s purpose, from worship to a table at home. This section explores the tradition and how it might continue.
Composition, wicks and burning behaviour will be tested on trial candles before production begins.
Beeswax
Working with beeswax is a distinct part of the future production. We plan to select raw wax, filter it when molten and cast it into blocks. Each batch’s origin and properties will guide the choice of material for candles. From raw wax to the finished block, the aim is to maintain traceability and check the outcome of each stage.
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Continuing a charitable purpose
Charitable purpose and participation
We also continue the works’ charitable tradition, bringing people’s support together around researching and preserving Zelino’s heritage.
According to published research, the historic works’ income helped widows and orphans of the military clergy. Today, our public purpose is researching and preserving the heritage of this place.
The Friends Club brings together people who help research and preserve the works’ heritage. Every gift matters, whatever its size.
