Brilliant craftsmanship

Atelier Bossard in Lucerne was one of Switzerland’s most renowned goldsmith’s workshops in the 19th century. Splendid trophies, silverware and jewellery were produced under the leadership of company founder Johann Karl Bossard (1846-1914). The staff not only created their own designs but also crafted exact copies of historical objects from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Craftsmanship had recovered its appeal as people pushed back against industrial mass production. A visit to Bossard’s and the purchase of a prestige item were de rigueur for wealthy noble families and rich industrialists in the booming tourist city of Lucerne. In 2013, the contents of the goldsmith’s workshop were added to the collection at the Swiss National Museum. The exhibition in the National Museum Zurich’s Hall of Fame displays designs, models and historical photos in addition to the workshop’s most beautiful pieces, reviving Bossard’s former brilliance.