Marquetry, (An International Craft Classic) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The history and technique of marquetry, a mosaic-like art of fitting together thin wood veneer pieces to form intricate "pictures" in furniture or on decorative surfaces, is meticulously examined as Ramond, teacher at Paris's famed craft school, l'Ecole Boulle, traces the history of the centuries-old tradition from Asia Minor to Italy, France and England, and explains the complex mechanics involved in creating what is sometimes called "painting in wood." Marqueters, cabinetmakers, restorers and art historians will be fascinated by drawings and photographs that detail working methods, tools and machines employed in construction, virtually reviving a craft that had its distant heyday in the 18th century. Also surveyed are period styles as represented by marquetry "greats" and lesser-knowns. Outside of arcane manuals that long ago provided instruction to craftspeople, little has been published in book form on the subject, so Ramond's volume may stand alone as an introduction to a magnificent but comparatively obscure woodworking specialty.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

For centuries the art of marquetry has been centered in Paris, where the tradition has been transmitted only within workshops concentrated in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. The outside world, therefore, has had very limited knowledge of the techniques used by the masters of this art. The publication of this English-language edition of La Marquetrie gives amateurs, art historians, creative woodworkers, and conservators access to an invaluable body of knowledge of the techniques of marquetry, covering the history of the craft as well as explanations of how a marqueter's studio is organized and the materials, instruments, drawing, preparation, and procedures used in the craft. It combines a thorough explanation of the craft techniques with detailed analysis of period examples, thereby giving readers a better understanding of marquetry pieces and new insights into shop practices. The book is an invaluable resource both for the art historian and the practicing craftsperson. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: The Taunton Press; 1st US edition (October 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942391195
• ISBN-13: 978-0942391190
• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #148,807 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb book. Excellent pictures, great explanations., May 13, 1998

By	FRANCISCO TESTOR FDEZ DE C (Santiago Chile) - See all my reviews

I have two books of the same author: Masterpieces of marquetry (or something simmilar since it is written in French) and Marquetry. Each of the books cost over 100 USD in France and belong to a collection this author has published on the same subject. The Marquetry book (in English) I believe is the best book of its class. It has very detailed sketches of real antique designs. It not only explains the techniques but also stone inlaying, designing of tools and benches for cutting materials, etc.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It doesn't get any better than this, January 29, 2005

By	Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Marquetry (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum) (Hardcover)

Marquetry is impressive if you are making a simple flower or a project as ornate as the examples that are given in this book. Covering the art form from the early adopters in France and Italy, he explains in detail the procedures, as well as the tools that are used. When you see some of the pictures of the projects, you will think that you need a lifetime of practice to get to those levels, and maybe you do. They are so elaborate and ornate that you will appreciate what can be done in the art form.
The book is large and is something worth featuring on a shelf. It is wonderfully illustrated, and they don't short you on the full color photographs.
The chapters are; Veneer Decoration, History, The Marqueters Workshop, The Materials, The Instruments, The Drawing, Preparation, Procedures, Frisage and Jeux De Fond, The Construction of Cutting Tools, and Conclusion.
The book is 14" x 10" and every page is packed with beautiful color photographs, and at the very least a drawing. Makes for an interesting read, as well as seeing what is being explained in full color. With so many full size color photos, you can see why the book is more expensive than a standard book.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner in the art form, this book will capture you. See the highest forms in the art, chosen by the top museums for display. All in all a first class reference. Highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, November 21, 1998

By A Customer

I found this book to be completely comprehensive on the subject of marquetry. Everyone who loves this art form will want to have this in their library.