![A wick trimmer in a jester’s outfit trims the wicks of the footlight candles, each with its own screen. “Candle-Snuffer” woodcut, by an unknown artist, published in The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1876.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/kerzenschnauzer-titel-300x225.jpg)
In the days when candle wicks still had to be trimmed…
Until the first half of the 19th century, a pair of candle scissors was an essential tool in every home, and the wick-trimming tool of the lighting technician in every major theatre.
![While most candle scissors were made of iron, brass or steel, in upscale households there were also more ornamental versions made of silver with accompanying base, such as this model from the manufacturer Philipp Heinrich Schönling, Leuk-Stadt, ca. 1730/40.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/lichtputzschere-300x137.jpg)
![To ensure the flame continues to burn and the family isn’t left sitting in the dark: a man uses a pair of candle scissors to trim the wick of the candle. Etching by Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, 1711.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/familie-kerze-295x300.jpg)
![](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/angestellte-250x300.jpg)
![](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/werkzeug-angestellte-226x300.jpg)
Maidservant with candle care tool, which she has fastened to a belt around her waist. Painting by Cornelis Troost, Amsterdam, 1737. Mauritshuis, Den Haag
![King George III snuffs out Napoleon. Caricature by William Holland, 1803.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/loschhut-213x300.jpg)
![Footlights in a French theatre, 19th century.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/rampenfieber-220x300.jpg)
![A wick trimmer in a jester’s outfit trims the wicks of the footlight candles, each with its own screen. “Candle-Snuffer” woodcut, by an unknown artist, published in The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1876.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/kerzenschnauzer-titel-300x225.jpg)
A “candle revolution” thanks to stearin and paraffin
I cannot think of a better invention than lights that keep burning without needing to be trimmed.
![Caricature in the “Wiener Theaterzeitung”, ca. 1848.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/kerze-karikatur-228x300.jpg)