Benjamin Brecknell

Copper-engraved billhead and handwritten invoice issued by the wax and tallow chandler Benjamin Brecknell, located at 31 Haymarket. The billhead includes an engraving of the Royal Coat of Arms referring to the chandler's role as a supplier to Princess Charlotte of Wales. A small vignette below the Arms notes that the chandler supplies 'fine sealing wax, spermaceti candles, flambeaux etc'. The invoice dated May 26th 1807 refers to the supply of mould candles to Edward Jones.Tallow chandlers were the cheapest form of domestic candle. With the greater availability of spermaceti candles from the late 18th century the use of tallow candles declined. Spermaceti candles were brighter than tallow and did not smell so repugnant.