Bosshard Showcases 130 Years of Goldsmithing Tradition in Gore

Art enthusiasts gathered in Gore, New Zealand, on Saturday for the launch of “LINEAGE: 130 Years of Bosshard Jewellery.” The exhibition, which highlights the rich history of the Bosshard family in goldsmithing, attracted visitors from across the South Island. Many attendees, including jewellers and collectors, opted to stay overnight in Gore to attend a special floor talk by Swiss-born jeweller Hans Bosshard the following day.

During an engaging discussion attended by approximately 75 people, Bosshard shared insights into his family’s legacy and his own career. He spoke with Justine Olsen, the decorative art and design curator at Te Papa, about his grandfather, Jakob Bosshard, who established a jeweller’s shop in Uster, Switzerland, in 1895. This family tradition continued as Bosshard’s father, Heinrich Bosshard, took over the business in 1930. Hans Bosshard, born in 1939, trained as a goldsmith but sought a different path by relocating to New Zealand in 1961.

In New Zealand, Bosshard developed a minimalist approach to jewellery making, diverging from traditional designs. In 1983, he and fellow jeweller and sculptor Stephen Mulqueen founded Fluxus, a workshop and gallery dedicated to innovative practices in the craft.

The exhibition features a timeline of three generations of Bosshard work, showcasing an array of drawings, watercolours, and metal pieces that span up to 130 years. The collection reflects the duality of Bosshard’s work: honoring the curly European aesthetics of his ancestors while also embracing a modern, deconstructed style.

Bosshard described how living in relative rural isolation in New Zealand allowed him to cultivate a unique aesthetic, free from the pressures of industry trends or unrealistic expectations. “Now, I can confidently say that all the work I have made is my own and is of New Zealand,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity in his craft.

During the floor talk, Bosshard also detailed some of his techniques. His signature silver bangles, worn by several audience members, are crafted from square rods of the precious metal, shaped to fit comfortably around the wrist. While some of the bracelets retain the original square form, others feature subtle manipulations, demonstrating a balance between simplicity and artistry.

Reflecting on his career, Bosshard expressed gratitude for the familial support that shaped his journey. “I am grateful to my grandfather, my parents, and my upbringing which enabled me to follow on in their trade and also forge my own path,” he stated, concluding a heartfelt tribute to his lineage.

As the exhibition continues at the Eastern Southland Gallery, it serves not only as a celebration of craftsmanship but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Bosshard family in the world of jewellery.