The Cornille Havard foundry came into being in 1865, when Adolphe Havard decided to stabilize the activity of bell founders by building a workshop in Villedieu-les-Poêles. Previously, these craftsmen had been nomadic, moving around to work at the foot of churches and cathedrals. Under the management of Léon Cornille, the foundry became Cornille Havard in 1904. After periods of management by various family members, Marguerite Cornille took over and revitalized the company in 1946.
In 1981, the foundry changed hands, passing into the hands of Françoise and Luigi Bergamo, the latter a pioneer in the use of CAD modeling for bell layouts. Under their management, the company flourished, not least thanks to the development of tourism, with the opening of the workshop to the public.
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Fonderie De Cloches Cour Anibas PhotographyPaul Bergamo joined the company in 2001 and became owner in 2012, consolidating the foundry’s reputation for quality bells.
In addition to bell making, the foundry also produces cast-iron art pieces and offers installation and maintenance services for bell and steeple-related equipment. Every year, over 55,000 visitors flock to the workshop, attracted by the company’s reputation and expertise.
