Imagine biting into a slice of warm, buttery toast, only to realize it’s actually a candle. Sounds bizarre, right? But that’s exactly what London-based designer Maggie Yang has brought to life with her hyperrealistic food candles. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just any candles—they’re meticulously crafted replicas of everything from a full English breakfast to a wheel of brie, complete with beans, brown sauce, and all the textures that make your mouth water.
Yang’s collection, aptly named Pantler’s Rations, is a feast for the eyes—and, surprisingly, for the senses. But here’s where it gets controversial: these candles are meant to be burned. Yes, you read that right. Yang describes her creations as ‘incredibly performative,’ arguing that the act of burning them transforms them from static objects into something poetic—a deliberate dance between creation and destruction. Is it art if it’s meant to disappear? That’s a question Yang leaves us to ponder.
The process behind these candles is as fascinating as the final product. Yang starts by casting silicone molds directly from real food items, ensuring every crumb, crease, and texture is captured. ‘From loaves to pies, every bakery item I’ve ‘candlised’ began as a real baked piece,’ she explains. Each piece is then hand-sculpted, painted, and glazed to achieve its lifelike appearance. No two candles are identical, and Yang often refines shapes by hand, especially for items like cheese, to ensure authenticity.
But it doesn’t stop there. Yang tests each candle’s burnability, adjusting wick sizes and placements to make sure they’re not just decorative but functional. Her inspiration? A blend of her passion for crafting representational objects and her research into culinary history. She’s drawn to foods that tell a story—whether it’s the cultural significance of a Ploughman’s pie or the artistry of Turkish delights. ‘I’m always looking for the unusual,’ she says, ‘almost like curating a cabinet of curiosity for food objects.’
The name Pantler’s Rations itself is a nod to this craft-centered approach. ‘Pantler,’ an archaic term for the servant in charge of a great house’s pantry and bread, reflects Yang’s fascination with rural heritage and forgotten trades. ‘Rations,’ on the other hand, evokes a sense of savoring and cherishing—a reminder to slow down and appreciate the intersection of craftsmanship and culinary arts.
Yang’s latest masterpiece? A full English breakfast cast entirely in wax, complete with eggs, bacon, and even a side of baked beans. It’s a testament to her ability to push boundaries, both in medium and concept. Looking ahead, she’s eager to explore new realms, from miniature model crafts to folk toys and even incorporating motion into her candle designs. But here’s the real question: As Yang ventures beyond the pantry, will her creations remain as captivating—or will they lose their charm in the process?
Whether you see these candles as edible illusions or thought-provoking art, one thing’s for sure: Maggie Yang’s work challenges us to rethink the relationship between food, craft, and impermanence. So, would you light one up? Let us know in the comments—and don’t be afraid to spark a debate!
