‘That which is done with love is well done’, wrote Vincent van Gogh on 3 April 1878. Van Gogh’s words could also easily have been written in reference to Willem Bos, a contemporary of the artist and a smith by trade. Bos was a craftsman who successfully combined his passion for innovation with his love of cheese, and went on to found Boska Cheesewares.
This was all back in 1896, when Willem Bos forged his first cheese taster for cheesemongers in the region of Gouda. Bos’ invention meant that the cheesemongers had a sophisticated way of testing the quality of their cheeses. In turn, Vincent van Gogh was enthralled by peasant life. He was inspired by the hard-working labourers and peasants, and their tough way of life.
Collaboration
Boska flourished into an internationally acclaimed brand, offering a wide range of high-quality cheese tools for use at home. For the Boska x Van Gogh Museum collaboration, Boska drew inspiration from three Van Gogh masterpieces in which love plays a central role:
- Van Gogh painted Almond Blossom for his beloved brother Theo’s newborn son.
- With his famous Sunflowers, Van Gogh wanted to give his friend Paul Gauguin a warm welcome to the Yellow House.
- Van Gogh’s love of nature is evident in Wheatfield under Thunderclouds.
Collection
A Boska mini collection has been developed for each of the three works, consisting of iconic cheese products such as a serving board, cheese slicer, cheese knife set, mini cheese slicer and a cheese set with a mini slicer and grater.
On sale now
The Boska x Van Gogh Museum collection is available online on boska.com, in the museum webstore, through selected department stores and cookery shops, and in the Van Gogh Museum Shop.
Contact
If you would like to find out more about the brand licensing programmes or are interested in a potential collaboration, please get in touch.