Craft Articles

Marquetry is the craft of forming decorative patterns by covering a structure with veneer. Veneer is thin slices of wood; typically smaller than 1/8 inch in thickness. Marquetry evolved out of a much older craft known as inlay, where parts of a material are cut out and the space filled with sections cut out from a different material. Even though these two crafts differ quite a lot from each other, professional marquetry-makers were often referred to as inlayers during the 18th century. Marquetry designs that consist of a simple geometric pattern are often referred to as parquetry, since they resemble the pattern of parquet flooring.

The marquetry technique developed among Flemish cabinet-makers during the early part of the 17th century. It was based on Florentine inlaying methods known as opere di commessi were solid marble slabs were combined with fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This form of inlaying was known as pietra dura in England. The newly invented marquetry technique grew popular and rapidly spread from Antwerp and other Flemish towns to France where Versailles and other prominent royal residences were decorated by marquetry makers. Jean Henri Riesener is one of the most celebrated marquetry makers ever and has created such impressive pieces of furniture as the 1769 Bureau du Roi for the new Cabinet du Roi at the Palace of Versailles. Other notable marquetry makers are Pierre Golle and his son-in-law, André-Charles Boulle.

Most marquetry makers use wood veneer, but ivory, mother-of-pearl and turtle-shell have also been highly popular. Today, the use of ivory and turtle-shell is limited since elephants and turtles are endangered animals. Fine metals can also be included, as well as pewter and brass. During the 18th century, the use of coloured straw was quite popular, and several spa resorts gained a reputation for their straw based marquetry.

The most basic form of marquetry makes use of no more than two sheets of veneer. The sheets are temporarily glued together and the marquetry maker will then cut them into pieces using a fine saw. This creates two panels identical in shape but contrasting in colour. In French, this technique is referred to as partie et contre-partie (part and counterpart).

Most hobby marquetry makers use a knife to create their marquetry. If you want to try marquetry, it is a good idea to obtain a good and suitable knife since this will make the work much easier. In addition to the knife, most hobby marquetry makers use clear adhesive tape, glue and sand-paper/wire wool. It is actually better to purchase cheap low-quality tape since this sort of tape tends to be less sticky than high-quality tape. Sealing the work using French polish or normal varnish is popular.