Exploring Britsh Craftmanship with R ND L

Amidst paintbrush strokes and lingering acrylic aromas, Jack Randall discovered the enchanting synergy of scent and art, shaping the inception of RNDL. This British home fragrance brand celebrates craftsmanship through art-filled scented candles.

Jack unveils the scents and memories guiding his creative journey, highlights the British fragrance community's supportive role, and shares tips for crafting a festive home ambiance.

What was the inspiration behind the creation of RNDL?
I practically grew up in my father's art studio, which I now realise is probably the luckiest thing in the world as I got to see first-hand what the creative process looks like. It was exhilarating, mysterious, sometimes frustrating, but always magical. As I watched him work, I was aware of the mood and ambience of the studio - the soft glow of a flickering candle, the aroma of tobacco smoke mixed with the scents of incense and oil paint, and the comforting, woody smells of easels and picture frames stacked around the room. This multi-sensory experience inspired me as much as the artwork. While I didn't ultimately take up my father's paintbrushes, this world did put me on the path to something else- my love of fragrance. I realised I had an affinity for scent and discovered too that I could pick up the faintest hint of fragrance and identify what it was. What started as an enjoyable game soon became one of my greatest pleasures and obsessions. It's only natural that I would associate fragrance with art and it's this passion that has led me to the creation of RNDL - one that has come to life through my work with incredibly gifted artists and artisans.

As a British fragrance brand, what role does the British Fragrance Industry and its heritage play for RNDL?

As a British brand, RNDL is deeply connected to the British Fragrance Industry's heritage, which inspires our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Alongside this, sustainability is a core brand ethos. We’re constantly pushing towards more sustainable practices, ensuring that our creations not only embody the excellence of British perfumery but also reflect our dedication to environmental responsibility.

When we established RNDL, one of our founding values was a commitment to use only the finest artisans and producers the UK has to offer. We believe that the essence of a truly exceptional product lies in the hands of those who craft it. Therefore, we select British artisans and producers renowned for their expertise and dedication to quality.

The British fragrance industry plays a pivotal role in shaping RNDL, not only through its rich heritage but also through its incredibly welcoming and supportive community.

Such a friendly and nurturing environment has been instrumental in our journey, providing us with valuable insights, guidance, and opportunities to grow. This sense of community and mutual support within the British fragrance industry is a vital part of RNDL's success, reflecting the collaborative spirit that is at the heart of our brand.

Can you tell us more about how artisanal craftsmanship shapes RNDL?

Artisanal craftsmanship is central to RNDL. This is clear in our meticulous attention to every aspect, from the selection of fragrance ingredients to the design of our packaging. We collaborate with expert artisans, ensuring that our products are not merely items, but distinctive creations that combine traditional and contemporary techniques Sustainability is also important to us. We choose materials and methods that are environmentally friendly, making sure our products are both luxurious and responsible. This commitment is something we're really proud of.

What sets us apart is our dedication to these principles in every aspect of our work, from the initial concept to the final product.

We believe this approach resonates with our customers who are looking for more than just a scent: they're seeking a product that tells a story.

Art is clearly a key inspiration for the creative direction of the brand. What art inspired RNDL, and how does art continue to echo in the collection and your work?

Art has always been an inspiration for RNDL. To me, art transcends visuals. It's in the essence of a fragrance, the structure of architecture and the subtleties of design. It's found in the craft of food and the boldness of fashion, each evoking strong emotional responses. Our brand's creative direction is deeply influenced by the world of visual arts, especially the textures and emotions in classical and contemporary paintings. This artistic influence is evident in our approach to fragrance creation. Each scent is crafted like a piece of art, designed to evoke emotions and atmosphere. In fact, the first three candles in our range feature my father's art on the jars, bridging the gap between visual and olfactory artistry. These pieces showcase how the aesthetic and sensory elements of art continually inspire our collections, guiding us to create home scents that are artistic expressions.

From an olfactive point of view, can you tell us more about your scent offerings, and what was your creative process for the scents like?

The fragrance for our candle range is inspired by the artwork on the candles themselves. The visuals are more than just decorative; they are the foundation for the scents we create. This approach allows us to establish a profound connection between the visual and the olfactory, where the image and the fragrance are intricately connected, enhancing the entire experience. The RNDL candle fragrance is a rich, smoky blend with a deep woody base, enriched by the warmth of Labdanum and the smokiness of Birch Tar. Rose adds a hint of floral sweetness, softened by powdery Orris. Frankincense brings a touch of mystery, while Patchouli deepens the scent. The blend is completed by the fresh, aromatic notes of Lavender and Thyme, which balance the deeper tones.

What are your top tips for looking after scented candles, repurposing them once emptied, and scenting the overall space?

It's important to regularly trim, the wick to about 5mm before each use, ensuring a clean, even burn and preventing soot. The first burn is the most important. You must allow the candle to burn long enough for the wax to melt as close to the edges as possible to avoid tunnelling.

With RNDL candles, the experience extends beyond the last flicker of the flame. You're welcome to send the jars back to us for a refill to continue their life as a candle.

Alternatively, these jars, embellished with beautiful artwork, can be repurposed as a permanent art display in your home. When you choose an RNDL candle, you're not just selecting a fragrance; you're bringing a piece of art into your home.

To enhance your space with scented candles, focus on placement. Place candles in areas where their fragrance can spread evenly and effectively, such as entry points or central locations in a room. This ensures a thorough and even distribution of the aroma. The aim is to create an atmosphere that appeals to both the sense of smell and sight.

Finally, we'd love to know: which scents and aromas will be prominent in your home and creative studio throughout the festive season?

We're incredibly fortunate to have our home filled RNDL candles throughout the festive season. The fragrances from these candles are particularly enchanting on cold days, creating a beautiful ambiance inside. There's a special kind of joy in being cosy indoors, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of our candles' fragrances, while gazing out at the chilly world outside. It's moments like these that remind us of the power of scent to transform a space into a place of warmth and relaxation, making the colder months feel all the more magical and inviting.

In our studio, we’re always working on new fragrances.
We naturally find ourselves drawn to warmer notes like vanilla, cinnamon and star anise during these months. Vanilla brings that sweet, cosy feel we all love, while cinnamon adds a bit of warm spice, perfect for the holiday season. Star anise is great too, with its rich inviting spiciness. We love working with these ingredients, mixing them in different ways to see what works, it's amazing how these familiar scents can transform a space.