Little Miracles
Spring '23
We are delighted to welcome Boncoeurs’ beaten metal amulets, inspired by religious folk art, into the shop.
Inspiration
Milagros or ‘miracles’ in English, are small charms, made from gold, silver or tin and used as part of an act of devotion; as a physical representation of a prayer; as a gift of thanks to a deity. They’re particularly associated with Italy, Southern Spain, Mexico and other countries in Latin America with strong Catholic heritage, though they originated in Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. They often take the form of a body part, focusing on a specific ailment (lots of legs, arms, hearts and even some quite complicated digestive tracts!). Sometimes they are attached to the altar of a saint but they are also carried or worn for protection and good luck. We’re steering away from the intestines and putting the hearts centre stage.
A display of religious votives in Mexico
The Bonneville Sisters
The Bonneville Sisters
Boncoeurs was founded by the Bonneville sisters in Lyon, following the success of their Bonnesoeurs shop. So far so good (those of you who have achieved GCSE French, I hope you can see what I’ve done there). Justine had previously worked in the music industry and Camille in kids’ fashion. Both sisters are inveterate travellers and India, particularly Jaipur, is their production base. Religious objects provide much of the inspiration for the decorative pieces in the collection and they’re particularly drawn to European, predominantly Italian, ex-votos.
Interior Inspiration
The more the merrier. We like a wall smothered in these tin decorations. Take a trip to New Mexico (as if you need any encouragement?) and the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe has quite the most incredible displays from the private collection of mid-century artist and designer Alexander Girard. Groups of votives are housed in multiple box frames. We are channelling M. Girard’s completist collection on our fireplace wall in the shop. Try using them as a slightly 3-D element in a pinboard or collage too. Or include them in an envelope with a card as a little extra thank you or birthday wish to your nearest and dearest.
Ex Votos for your Loved Ones
Ex Voto (from the latin, meaning ‘in accordance with a vow’) might be the perfect way to express your promise of undying love. As above, enclose a heart in an envelope with your very personal message or use it to embellish the giftwrap of a particularly special present. If you err on the more practical side, choose a heart shaped mirror instead. For the very romantically minded, a hand shaped amulet (perhaps you are asking for someone’s hand). For a more platonic love, choose a shooting star, for somebody especially stellar in your life.
Shop the Story
For the Alexander Girard copycats, find all the Boncoeurs here.
