Some companies do not just make objects: they create imaginations, qualities and symbols that remain in the collective memory. Pennelli Cinghiale is one such company. A historic brand in Italian manufacturing, synonymous with reliability and tradition, its history tells the story of a country’s growth and the dedication to craftsmanship that has become industrial excellence.
The origins: a workshop and an insight
In the 1930s, Alfredo Boldrini, born in 1921, began producing handmade brooms, which he sold door-to-door with his brother. In 1945, Alfredo decided to focus entirely on the production of paintbrushes – a sector that was still artisanal and underdeveloped at the time – and abandoned broom production, founding Pennelli Cinghiale in Cicognara, province of Mantua. It marked the beginning of a success story that combined craftsmanship and the ‘Made in Italy’ production, transforming a small business into a national benchmark.
From craftsmanship to industry
In the 1960s and 1970s, Pennelli Cinghiale established itself as a benchmark in the domestic market, thanks to its relentless pursuit of high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
The company revamped its production processes, introducing modern machinery and expanding its product range, while maintaining its solid roots and the artisanal care that distinguishes Made in Italy production.
The wild boar symbol: a pop icon
The strength of the brand lies not only in the quality of the product, but also in effective communication.
Historic advertising campaigns, memorable slogans and a constant presence in the world of DIY and construction have made Pennelli Cinghiale an icon of Italian visual culture. The wild boar logo has become synonymous with quality and reliability. The famous 1982 commercial, “Non ci vuole un pennello grande, ma un grande pennello” (“You don’t need a big brush, you need a great brush”), created by Ignazio Colnaghi, creator of Calimero, helped to cement the brand in the Italian imagination.
The challenge of modernity
In the 1980s, with the advent of computers, the company was among the first in Italy to digitise its administrative management. In the 1990s and 2000s, Pennelli Cinghiale tackled the challenge of globalisation with an innovative spirit: it invested in new machinery, embraced digital technologies and expanded its presence beyond national borders. Traditional craftsmanship, which remains at the heart of production, is complemented by cutting-edge industrial processes and a growing focus on environmental sustainability.
Awards and recognitions
Pennelli Cinghiale has won numerous awards, including the Ambrogino d’Oro (1971), the Europa Mec (1972), and the Mercurio d’Oro (for the first time in 1974). In 2021, the company was listed in the Ministry of Economic Development’s list of Historic Brands of national interest. In 2025, its 80th anniversary was celebrated with a commemorative stamp issued by Poste Italiane. Also in 2025, the company started a new chapter in its history by becoming a Benefit Corporation, confirming its commitment to a sustainable and responsible future, always in the spirit of Made in Italy.
Pennelli Cinghiale today
Today, Pennelli Cinghiale is one of the leading companies in the field of painting tools in Italy and abroad. The product range has evolved to include innovative solutions for professionals and hobbyists, always to guarantee uncompromising quality. The company continues to invest in research, eco-friendly materials and collaborations with designers and artists, consolidating its reputation for excellence and reliability.
An all-female team runs the company: Catiuscia Boldrini, the founder’s daughter and chairwoman; her daughter, Eleonora Calavalle, CEO; and her daughter, Clio Calavalle, production manager.
Pennelli Cinghiale sells 90% of its products in Italy and the Mediterranean region, has a turnover of millions of euros, and manufactures 4.5 million brushes per year, thanks to an entirely Made in Italy supply chain.
Congratulations to those who bring Italian brushes and creativity to the world!
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