“It is Better to Light a Candle than Curse the Darkness”

London, Autumn/ Winter 2009 - Long-time Amnesty International supporter Alice Temperley has partnered with the human rights organisation to create a gorgeous scented candle to mark Human Rights Day on December 10th 2009.

All proceeds of the candle will go directly to Amnesty to support the many campaigns and initiatives it spearheads each year in pursuit of upholding and recognising human rights around the world.

The candle became the symbol of Amnesty International after the organisation’s founder, Peter Benenson, asked Diana Redhouse – an original Amnesty member – to design an emblem based on a candle encircled in barbed wire. Peter Benenson had thought of the image when recalling a favourite Chinese proverb: "Better to light a candle than curse the darkness."

Nearly 50 years later, the Amnesty candle continues to mobilise people of all religions, nationalities, cultures and customs to shine the light on the world's darkest corners.

This year Temperley has collaborated with Amnesty to create a limited-edition scented candle which includes the proverb. Incorporating the barbed wire and Amnesty colours, the candle offers a way to support Amnesty’s work.

Alice Temperley has previously supported Amnesty through photography exhibitions and events. She says:

“I am thrilled to be working with Amnesty International again, producing a candle for this Christmas. The symbol of the candle highlights perfectly the hope that Amnesty gives to so many people around the world by improving human rights. I am very pleased to be helping to spread this message and hope many people will support the cause.”

The Temperley candle for Amnesty International will be exclusively available from Selfridges department stores, Temperley London Boutique in Notting Hill, online at www.temperley london.com and the Amnesty online shop at www.amnestyshop.org.uk for a limited time. Price: £35

Amnesty also offers a whole range of gifts – from books and clothing to jewellery and greetings cards – through its 2009 gift catalogue. All these gifts are available to order online from the amnestyshop website.

Further information for editors:

1. Candle ingredients: The Temperley Amnesty candle is manufactured in England. The wax is a special blend of mineral and soya wax

2. The candle scent is comprised of: Top Notes – Blackcurrant, Rose, Frangipani & Ylang Ylang. Middle Notes – Orange Blossom, Jasmine & Violet. Base Notes – Patchouli, Vanilla & Chocolate

3. Amnesty is a worldwide voluntary movement of people which campaigns to promote and uphold the vision of a world in which every person enjoys rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights standards.

4. The first Amnesty International candle was lit on Human Rights Day - 10 December in 1961 at St Martins-in-the-Fields parish, London
Stockists:

Selfridges

Temperley London Boutique
2-10 Colville Mews
Lonsdale Road
Notting Hill
London W11 2DA

+44 (0)207 229 7957

www.temperleylondon.com

www.amnestyshop.org.uk br />
For images, samples, and additional requests please contact:
Meena Khera PR
Tel: +44 (0)207 034 0200
Sandy Samra sandy@meenakhera.com or Meena Khera meena@meenakhera.com br />