This arch was produced on the fiber laser at MINDA in Stadthagen. MINDA processed the data according to the association's specifications and the precise contours were then lasered into the stainless-steel sheet. The candle arch was finished with an appropriate surface treatment.

At regular intervals, the sponsoring association located in Recklinghausen let MINDA produce candle arches. The association is dedicated to preserving the mining tradition and implementing various projects. For example, the old coal mine railway lines connecting the coal mines are converted into cycle paths and mining exhibits are installed along these routes.

The genesis history of the candle arch

 The candle arch shows the King Ludwig coal mine in Recklinghausen plus the lettering “coal + art”. 

Behind this is a post-war story about the solidarity and helpfulness of the miners.

In the winter of 1946/47, the theaters in Hamburg were on the verge of bankruptcy because they lacked the coal to heat the auditoriums and operate the stage equipment. They drove in trucks to the Ruhr area, looked for help and found it with the miners of the King Ludwig coal mine in Recklinghausen. 

Under the eyes of the occupying power, the miners smuggled coal onto the trucks of the Hamburg theaters and thus helped them to obtain heating material. In return, the actors from the Hamburg state theaters performed in Recklinghausen and the surrounding area under the motto “Coal for Art”. The resulting tradition is known today as the Ruhr Festival.

A wonderful tradition that we at MINDA are happy to support.