Sweet Obsession

The History of Sugarcraft!

We do not exactly know when people started decorating cakes but some Historians believe that confectionery was already in use in Egypt. circa 700 BC.

By the 16th Century it was very popular to have cakes which were covered in marzipan.

When Karl II returned home to England, from his exile in France, in 1660, he brought back some of his favorite "Conditors" who did not like the English Wedding Cakes which were made from little cakes stapled one on top of each other. They therefore covered them with sugar and decorated them ornately.
Within a short time this became very popular.

Soon after, in the 17th Century, it became very modern in Italy to design and produce Sculptures made from Sugar.

Wedding Cakes have a very long history!

The Roman ritual was to break some of the cake over the head of the Bride to bless her with all the riches of the God's. This old tradition continued into the 19th Century and was known as "The Bride's Coronation".

At large weddings they normally baked two cakes, one for the Bride and the other for the Groom.

The Bride's cake was beautifully decorated and was served at the reception as a dessert after the main meal.

The Groom's cake, which was a rich fruit cake, was passed on to the Guests as they left the reception.

Now Wedding cakes have several tiers and the "happy couple" have, since the 20th Century, kept the top tier for the Christening of of their first born child.

During the War Years, when money and food in Europe were in scarce supply, it meant that people had to reduce their sugarcraft production and to even pass on their knowledge to others who had an interest in the subject.

Things have now changed and we have a very fertile situation, whereby the art of Sugarcraft is now again practised, and has become very popular, in many Countries such as the USA, England, South Africa, and well……You never know !!

Nicely decorated cakes are now presented at Engagements, Weddings, Christenings, Jubilees, Christmas, Easter and at many other important occasions.

Especially children and also adults are very impressed by the huge choice and beauty of these sweet Sugacraft pieces.