Bovano of Cheshire, Connecticut Enamel on Copper Sandpiper Plate

Handcrafted Bovano of Cheshire Connecticut enamel on copper Sand Piper six-inch plate.

 

The History of Bovano of Cheshire began in 1952, when working alone in the basement of his home in Cheshire, Connecticut, artist Jim Bower began experimenting with powdered glass fused to small copper plates. His playful approach resulted in early designs applied to small glass enamel plates, which were sold under the name Bower Enamels.

It wasn't long before Jim met John Bonsignor who realized the potential of developing a much wider array of glass-enameled products. John moved the studio to the upper floor of an old foundry building in Cheshire and began a passionate pursuit of copper enameling. The name "Bovano" was coined from the first two letters of the last name of each of the three original owners: Bonsignor, Van Leight and Noden.

In 1964 David Flood partnered with John to continue the growth of Bovano of Cheshire. Dave and John collaborated together through the 1960s. It was also during this time that the company made a dramatic change away from copper enameled plates and trays turning instead to the creation of simple little copper enameled flowers. Later designs were extended to larger tabletop flowers, with a growing choice of flowers, bonsai and maple trees, birds and butterflies.

In 1975, David became owner of Bovano of Cheshire. Hotel based trade-shows became his regular destinations he carried products and displays to markets in the New York, Boston and Chicago circuit. Growth of the company continued beyond three decades as an ever-widening range of high quality wall and table sculptures were crafted by hand.

Today, at the start of the new millennium, Bovano artisans continue to use many of the techniques developed from the early days of the company. Combining modern technology and old world craftsmanship, highly skilled Bovano artisans continue creating quality sculptures using the knowledge through decades of experience.

The old foundry building still houses the enameling studio and Bovano Home Gallery. Dave's son Jim Flood, who has been President since 1987, continues to carry forth the Bovano of Cheshire tradition.

It all starts with a single sheet of copper. From this sheet, a variety of shapes are cut. In a delicate process, our highly skilled enamelers powder coat each piece with powdered glass, adding layer upon layer of beautiful color. The placement of the individual grains of powdered glass adds to the uniqueness of each piece we create. Once the pieces have been dusted with the powdered glass, they are carefully transferred to the kiln which heats the sculpture to an overwhelming 1600 degrees, fusing the glass to the copper and enhancing the brilliancy of the colors. Several firings may be necessary to complete each piece.