Uncommon and Earl of East create charity candles that smell like the places we miss most during lockdown

If you're missing your local pub, the cinema or even the joys of a music festival, then a new candle range by London creative studio Uncommon and Earl of East will not only help you get through lockdown but also support those who've been impacted the most.

All images courtesy of Uncommon

All images courtesy of Uncommon

Called Scents of Normality, the limited-edition, soy wax candles smell like the "places we miss the most" and come in three evocative scents: The Local, The Cinema, and The Festival. They're available to buy online right now with money raised going to the charity Hospitality Action.

"While the impact of Covid-19 continues to affect many businesses across the UK, the hospitality industry faces a particularly uncertain future, having sustained lasting impact from the pandemic including widespread closures, job losses, reduced hours and reduction in pay," says Uncommon. "To help support these workers who are suddenly facing hardship, we've collaborated with home fragrance brand Earl of East on a unique series of scented candles."

We especially like the witty copy throughout that describes with some honesty the environments of our much-missed everyday places. "A floral haze of cut grass, burned skin and sun-warmed cider with a ribbon of sweet cannabis smoke," reads The Festival's packaging description – something that will please those who've seen Glastonbury, Lovebox and the Isle of Wight Festival cancelled this year. Meanwhile, for The Local, it says: "Top notes of spilt beer, hair pomade and chip fat jostle amongst a pungent base of varnished teak and sticky carpet". That's pretty accurate. And The Cinema scent is described as a "heady fusion of popcorn, foam banana and the allium tang of adolescent boredom".

Nils Leonard, a co-founder at Uncommon, says: "As a studio, building products and brands that people genuinely care about has never felt more important. At Uncommon, we've created brands such as HALO Coffee, with sustainability and purpose at its heart. We're thrilled to bring these products to bear and support the hospitality industry, which has been so dramatically impacted by Covid-19."

Each aroma has been brought to life with help from acclaimed illustrators including Portland-based illustrator and graphic designer, Lan Truong, who captures a hazy summer festival with her distinct and playful style. There's London-based illustrator, Thomas Hedger, who reflects the relatable grubbiness of the everyday local pub. And Vancouver-based designer, Victoria Sieczka, colourfully evokes the spilt-popcorn stickiness of a trip to the cinema.

The playful scent descriptions of each candle will run as print ads later this month in an effort to raise awareness and continue to encourage donations to Hospitality Action's appeal. Every candle sold supports Hospitality Action's work in helping people in the hospitality industry through the hardships of lockdown and beyond. To donate and find out more about the charity visit hospitalityaction.org.uk/donate.

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