The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers is one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London. The organisation, which engaged not only in tallowcandle making but also in the trade of oils, first received a Royal Charter in 1462.
Traditionally tallow chandlers operated separately from wax chandlers: beeswax candles customarily being used in churches and noble houses, while tallow (animal fat) candles were generally used in other homes. As is the case with most other livery companies, the Tallow Chandlers' Company is no longer a trade association of candlemakers, its decline precipitated by the advent of electric lighting. The company now exists as a charitable institution and supports education in oil-related fields.
Coat of arms of Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers
Crest
"(On the dexter, the helmet contournee) On a wreath of the colours, an angel issuant from clouds proper, holding a platter Or, thereon the head of St. John the Baptist also proper. (On the sinister) On a wreath of the colours, On a charger proper rayonee Or the head of St. John the Baptist also proper."
Escutcheon
"Per fesse azure and argent, a fesse counterchanged and three doves of the second, membered gules, each holding in its beak an olive branch Or."
Supporters
"On either side on a mount vert an angel vested winged and crowned with stars Or."
