This bronze church bell, weighing 205 kg, was cast by Fonderia Allanconi for the canonization of St. John Paul II. The Bell features plant patterns around its base and neck and a portrait of St. John Paul II during his time as Pope.
Emanuele Allanconi took over his maternal grandfather's workshop, which he opened in Bolzone in 1960. For 20 years, Emanuele has been carrying on the family tradition with an infectious enthusiasm and drive. For him, bells are a whole universe of their own: a musical instrument, sacred art objects and in the past they warned about incumbent dangers. Little has changed in the technique over the centuries, with each step requiring Emanuele's concentration and precision. The lost wax casting process follows the meticulous creation of clay moulds where wax is poured, placed in a ceramic shell and then liquid bronze replaces the way; cooling takes days, after which the bells are finished by chiseling and hand polishing.
Read the full interviewPhoto: Pietro Lucerni©Michelangelo Foundation
This bronze church bell, weighing 205 kg, was cast by Fonderia Allanconi for the canonization of St. John Paul II. The Bell features plant patterns around its base and neck and a portrait of St. John Paul II during his time as Pope.
Photo: Pietro Lucerni©Michelangelo Foundation
This 140 kg bronze bell was installed by Fonderia Allanconi in the old town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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This cast bronze bell, weighing approximately 350 kg, was commissioned for a private client. It features plant and floral patterns as well as imagery of the holy family.