Marquetry
between tradition and modernity
Marquetry
between tradition and modernity
GUARDIANS OF A HERITAGE
The Living Heritage Company label
The only State distinction associated with the recognition of exceptional know-how, the Living Heritage Company (EPV) label aims to promote French companies of excellence. We have been recognised by INMA (Institut National Métiers d’Art) since 2014. Based on a very rigorous selection procedure, it aims to promote the high technicality, creativity or cultural significance of manufacturing activities. Learn more
THE GUARDIANS OF A HERITAGE
The Living Heritage Company label
The only State distinction associated with the recognition of exceptional know-how, the Living Heritage Company (EPV) label aims to promote French companies of excellence. We have been recognised by INMA (Institut National Métiers d’Art) since 2012. Based on a very rigorous selection procedure, it aims to promote the high technicality, creativity or cultural significance of manufacturing activities. Learn more
MEMBER OF THE “ATELIERS D’ART”
The Chambre syndicale des ateliers d’art de France
Professionals mastering the art of craftsmanship, they transform materials to create pieces in their workshops, located in France. By joining Ateliers d’Art de France, they become part of the professional organisation representing art crafts. An independent and united force, Ateliers d’Art de France is governed by craft professionals elected by their peers. Learn more
MEMBER OF THE “ATELIERS D’ART”
The Chambre syndicale des ateliers d’art de France
Professionals mastering the art of craftsmanship, they transform materials to create pieces in their workshops, located in France. By joining Ateliers d’Art de France, they become part of the professional organisation representing art crafts. An independent and united force, Ateliers d’Art de France is governed by craft professionals elected by their peers. Learn more
INNOVATION & TRADITION
Our workshop’s main activity is the creation of stylish and contemporary marquetry, using both traditional techniques (jigsaws) and modern techniques (laser cutting, digital milling, etc.). These marquetries are generally applied on furniture, but also on very diverse supports such as jewels, musical instruments, luminaries, parquet floors, wall panels, woodworks, cigar cellars, jewel boxes, billiards…
In addition, we now offer the manufacture of furniture and objects of style or contemporary, as well as the realization of straw marquetry.
INNOVATION & TRADITION
Our workshop’s main activity is the creation of stylish and contemporary marquetry, using both traditional techniques (jigsaws) and modern techniques (laser cutting, digital milling, etc.). These marquetries are generally applied on furniture, but also on very diverse supports such as jewels, musical instruments, luminaries, parquet floors, wall panels, woodworks, cigar cellars, jewel boxes, billiards…
In addition, we now offer the manufacture of furniture and objects of style or contemporary, as well as the realization of straw marquetry.
HOME-MADE VENEER COLOURS
Our workshop offers the production of various veneer colours using a classic technique of immersion in pigmented water baths with fixative.
We can offer you a wide choice of colours (according to the customer’s choice), including the famous “tobacco green” shade regularly used in Transition and Louis XVI marquetry.
In a very current concern for ecology, we are now developing natural dyes, mainly of vegetable origin. The results are promising and we hope, in the long term, to be able to offer a large choice of colours.
HOME-MADE VENEER COLOURS
Our workshop offers the production of various veneer colours using a classic technique of immersion in pigmented water baths with fixative.
We can offer you a wide choice of colours (according to the customer’s choice), including the famous “tobacco green” shade regularly used in Transition and Louis XVI marquetry.
In a very current concern for ecology, we are now developing natural dyes, mainly of vegetable origin. The results are promising and we hope, in the long term, to be able to offer a large choice of colours.
Techniques of wood marquetry
Through three main stages of marquetry manufacture – drawing, cutting, inlaying – discover our trade through these videos
DEFINITION
Marquetry is a decoration made with veneers of wood and various other materials (mother-of-pearl, ivory, stone, shagreen, non-ferrous metals, straw, tortoise shell and bone), cut according to a design and glued to a support (furniture, woodwork, or painting), particularly in cabinet making. The resulting images can be geometric (called curling), figurative or abstract. By extension, this term designates the technique and the craft that produce this specific decoration.
Marquetry
DEFINITION
Marquetry is a decoration made with veneers of wood and various other materials (mother-of-pearl, ivory, stone, shagreen, non-ferrous metals, straw, tortoise shell and bone), cut according to a design and glued to a support (furniture, woodwork, or painting), particularly in cabinet making. The resulting images can be geometric (called curling), figurative or abstract. By extension, this term designates the technique and the craft that produce this specific decoration.
RESTORATION
Example of marquetry restoration carried out by Lacroix Marrec
Lacroix Marrec also specialises in the restoration of marquetry on exceptional furniture, objects and parquet floors of all periods and styles, both for professionals and private individuals.
It is possible to bring back to life a very deteriorated marquetry.
This requires several meticulous steps to be as close as possible to the original design. Here is a picture of the restoration of a chest of drawers tray.
RESTORATION
Example of marquetry restoration carried out by Lacroix Marrec
Lacroix Marrec also specialises in the restoration of marquetry on exceptional furniture, objects and parquet floors of all periods and styles, both for professionals and private individuals.
It is possible to bring back to life a very deteriorated marquetry.
This requires several meticulous steps to be as close as possible to the original design. Here is a picture of the restoration of a chest of drawers tray.
WOOD SPECIES
The wood species, presentation:
Blackberry wood: The wood has changing and undulating reflections that are not continuous.
Speckled wood: The surface is regularly dotted with small knots of approximately equal size. Dappled wood: The wood reflects small rounded shapes arranged side by side.
Bramble wood: This veneer is mainly cut at the abutment of a tree (the part of the trunk on the root side). The leaves of burr wood have intertwined and twisted fibres.
Meshed wood: The surface is covered with small, tightly packed grains that are darker in colour and slightly shiny.
Burls: The burl veneer is caught in a growth of the tree. This anomaly is produced by a wound, by the action of fungi or by insect bites. Scrubs are produced by a large number of adventitious buds that are unable to develop.
In addition to wood, other materials can appear in these inlays: tortoise shell, bone, straw, etc. Ferrous materials: brass, tin.
LES ESSENCES
The species, non-exhaustive presentation:
Moiré wood: The wood has changing and undulating reflections that are not continuous.
Speckled wood: The surface is regularly dotted with small knots of approximately equal size. Dappled wood: The wood reflects small rounded shapes arranged side by side.
Bramble wood: This veneer is mainly cut at the abutment of a tree (the part of the trunk on the root side). The leaves of burr wood have intertwined and twisted fibres.
Meshed wood: The surface is covered with small, tightly packed grains that are darker in colour and slightly shiny.
Burls and burls: The burl veneer is caught in a growth of the tree. This anomaly is produced by a wound, by the action of fungi or by insect bites. Scrubs are produced by a large number of adventitious buds that are unable to develop.
In addition to wood, other materials can appear in these inlays: tortoise shell, bone, straw, etc. Ferrous materials: brass, tin.
TOOLS
The realization of a marquetry requires the use of specific tools. Here is a presentation of the different techniques and tools:
- Bocfil saw
- Mechanical scroll saw
- Veneer saw
- Knife (marking knife)
- Folder
- Natural glue (bone – fish)
LES OUTILS
The realization of a marquetry requires the use of specific tools. Here is a presentation of the different techniques and tools:
- Bocfil saw
- Mechanical scroll saw
- Veneer saw
- Knife (marking knife)
- Folder
- Natural glue (bone – fish)