About Us
Who We Are
We’re Richard and Sargon — partners in life and business. We first met on a little street in West London called Balfern Grove in 2013. That’s where our story began, and it’s where this new chapter takes its name.
Richard has been making candles since he was 8 years old, when his mum gave him a candle-making kit to keep busy on rainy days. With her encouragement (and a shared passion for not wasting good materials), he began experimenting with old wax, learning how to clean, filter, and re-pour it into something new. Over years of trial and error, candle-making turned from a childhood hobby into a lifelong calling.
The Recycled Candle Company
Together we turned that passion into The Recycled Candle Company, pioneering wax recycling in the UK. From our workshop in Devon we transformed tonnes of used candles — from churches, hotels, and the public — into something beautiful and sustainable. Along the way we opened two shops, built a community of stockists, and connected with so many people who shared our values.
In 2023, after more than a decade, we sold the business. Around 18 months later, the new owners decided to close it. For those who have come here wondering: yes, we’re the same Richard and Sargon who started The Recycled Candle Company — but we weren’t involved in that decision.
Why Balfern Grove
We couldn’t let candle recycling disappear. Balfern Grove is both a continuation and a reinvention: a fresh identity rooted in design and sustainability, carrying forward the heart of what we started.
Our collection now includes two types of candles:
- 50/50 Candles: A luxury blend of 50% recycled wax and 50% plant-based waxes (soy, olive, coconut, and others), designed to highlight fragrance and form.
- 100% Recycled Pillar & Sculptural Candles: Hand-poured, design-led pieces made entirely from recycled wax, echoing Richard’s original style that many will remember.
We also run our own candle recycling scheme, giving individuals, churches, and businesses the chance to keep wax out of landfill and part of the circular economy.
Where We’re Going
We were married in December 2024, and with Balfern Grove we’re building the next stage of our story together — one that blends sustainability, creativity, and design.
For those who knew us before, welcome back. For those just discovering us, we’re so glad you’ve found us. The journey continues, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Balfern Grove: design, sustainability, and the art of the second life.
