Tony Sciannella, Sr.
Eccentricity is often synonymous with artistry. Unique, free spirited, and complex barely begins to describe Tony’s being. From his passion for knowledge, to his drive to make the world a more aesthetically pleasing place, to his uncompromising intolerance for mediocrity, Tony’s motivations range far and broad. Few people understand that the art of building Black Boar cues is a culmination of sensitivity and science.
Tony’s inquisitive, analytical mind has moved him to discover the intricacies of each individual component involved in the art of cue making. His passion for excellence has inspired the examination and use of only the finest materials, proving that only the finest ingredients can produce the finest product. These incredibly high standards, combined with cutting edge technology form the backbone of Black Boar cues, but Tony’s idiosyncratic nature is truly the most essential ingredient.
Click here to go to the old website to learn a little more about Tony's interests.
Don Thorpe
Don- or "Donnie"- as he usually goes by, is Tony's eldest grandson, and the third generation of Tony's family to work at Black Boar. Gifted from childhood, he started out at age 14 with his own business in medical software design, and later went on to build and manage a college engineering lab. Donnie became Tony's apprentice in 2006. A sensitive artist at heart with technical knowhow, this was a great fit for the two of them, and prolific for the future of Black Boar.
Although he's worked quietly at The Shop over the last 17 years, there's no denying that Black Boar's cue designs acquired a whole new level of sophistication when Donnie came onto the scene.
Donnie shares his grandfather's love of science, the seeking of knowledge and wisdom, and- like every great artist- he has the uncanny ability to find the beauty in everything.