Suzanne Rohr
Swiss watch enameller
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Suzanne Rohr is a Swiss watch enameller who works as an independent artist in the Swiss watchmaking industry. She is considered an expert miniature enamel painter and has maintained a long-time partnership with Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe.
Early life and education
Rohr was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1939.[1] As a child, she was interested in painting and drawing, and drew inspiration from an enamel exhibit at the Art and History Museum in Geneva.[2] She went on to study enamelling at the School of Decorative Arts in Geneva,[3] graduating in 1959 as the only student in the class.[4] The same year she won the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation prize for her enamelling work on a women's bracelet.[1]
Career
Rohr opened her own studio in 1960[2] and began receiving mentoring from Genevan enameler and miniaturist, Carlo Poluzzi.[4] In 1967, she began an exclusive partnership with Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe.[5] Rohr continued to produce pieces for Patek Philippe, some taking up to two years to create, for over five decades.[3][6]
Rohr employs the Geneva Technique, a process that involves layering different colors of enamel and baking at high temperatures, with some pieces requiring up to 25 different layers to complete.[4] She makes uses of rare minerals and uses brushes as thin as a "single boar's hair".[7]
Rohr mentored Anita Porchet who is considered one of the "most in-demand of today’s top enamellers".[8]
Awards and honors
- In 1959, Rohr was awarded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation prize in recognition of her enamelling work[1]
- In 2017, Rohr received the special jury prize at Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève alongside her protégé Anita Porchet[6]
- In 2019, Rohr was honored by the Prix Gaïa for her "mastery of the art of enamelling"[1]