Bohanna Art’s bespoke bronzes: Creating timeless heirlooms

When it comes to immortalising a beloved family member or pet, few mediums offer the timeless elegance of bronze statues and busts. Bohanna Art, founded by renowned Hollywood prop and costume designer Pierre Bohanna, specialises in crafting bronzes that capture the essence of your loved one through a meticulous blend of classical sculpting techniques and advanced body scanning technology.

By using body scanners, Bohanna Art captures a moment in time with precision, much like a photograph. This initial scan, however, is just the beginning. What follows is a meticulous process where classical sculptors use their expert skills to transform a digital capture into a masterpiece of personal expression. This creation process is not merely a technological feat but a deeply personal artistic endeavour. “First and foremost, these are works of art,” says Bohanna. “The finished piece is so much more than the initial scan of your loved one, it has all of the elegance and artistic moment-capturing that can only come from professional sculptors.”

(Image: Bohanna Art)
During the scanning session, which is akin to a photographic shoot, Bohanna Art's team engages with clients to understand their desires and expectations. Currently held at the picturesque Danesfield House Hotel, these sessions make for a fantastic day out. Clients bring their subject, be it themselves, a child or a pet and discuss their preferences regarding the piece's material, pose, and size.

Clients can also bring reference photos or specific suggestions to guide the creation process, ensuring that the final piece captures the essence of the subject on a deeply personal level. This collaborative approach ensures that each piece is a true reflection of the client’s vision. “We’re not put off by people that want to be dynamic,” Bohanna notes. “We do a lot of classic work, but we're very open to what the work can be.”Once the scan is complete and the pose is selected, classical sculptors begin their work in digital sculpting software to bring your vision to life. Clients receive a render of the proposed piece, and only when they are completely satisfied does the creation proceed.

Every sculpture undergoes meticulous molding and casting in bronze, followed by a skillful application of patina and finishing touches (Image: Bohanna Art)
The journey from scan to sculpture involves rapid prototyping to create a resin form, followed by the crafting of a mould and the final casting in bronze. This intricate process ensures that every piece is not only a perfect representation of your loved one, but a timeless and aesthetically pleasing work of art. Once completed, the artwork is carefully packaged and delivered to the client, ready to be treasured for generations. Bohanna emphasises the importance of the traditional artistic touch in their pieces: “We use experienced classical sculptors so there is character; it’s important to me that our pieces have the feel of something analogue. It’s not about the technology; it’s about the artwork.”

Continually evolving to meet the needs and desires of their clients, Bohanna Art are now offering memorial pieces where clients can have a space within one of their pet bronze statues to store the ashes of a beloved pet. Additionally, they are developing a jewellery range, allowing people to carry a piece of their loved ones with them at all times. These sculptures are deeply personal for the individuals who commission the; Bohanna Art offers the flexibility of producing multiple sizes or additional copies for family members.

(Image: Bohanna Art)
No matter the size or scope of the project, Bohanna Art’s mission is clear: to bring their client's vision to life with artistic integrity and unparalleled craftsmanship. As Bohanna eloquently puts it, “We’re trying to create pieces in a manner that truly captures their essence and turns it into an aesthetic and interesting piece of art.”

Pierre Bohanna’s commitment to innovation is evident in his future plans: “We have great ideas for expanding; we’re developing and investing in more scanning equipment. Our great dream is to be able to capture horses, specifically in motion.” This forward-thinking approach, coupled with a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, ensures that Bohanna Art remains at the forefront of bespoke sculpture creation.

Ultimately, Bohanna Art is about developing and creating beautiful artwork. Whether it’s a bespoke piece for an individual or a commission for a prestigious institution like the National Gallery, Bohanna Art opens the door to personalised, timeless sculptures that resonate on a deeply personal level. As Bohanna beautifully encapsulates, “It’s about bringing sculptural and personalised character to a photograph given life.”

(Image: Bohanna Art)
Choosing Bohanna Art means choosing a piece of art that transcends the ordinary. It’s about capturing the essence of a moment, a loved one, or a memory and transforming it into a work of art that will stand the test of time. Experience the beauty of Bohanna Art and bring your vision to life with a creation that is as unique and personal as the memories it holds.