Roubo's Marquetry Classic

Since the middle of last year an attempt has been made to translate from French into English one of the classics from the golden age of marquetry, Andre Jacob Roubo's "L'Art du Menuisier". Written between 1769 and 1774, it details (in 5 volumes) every aspect of woodwork known at the time. Volume 3 deals with marquetry and parquetry. Principle to this endeavor is well-known author Jack Metcalfe. Some progress has been made, but more needs to be done before it becomes palatable for English readers.Christopher Schwarz and Bjenk Ellersen have been working on the same project. To preview some of their translations of volume 1 (Carpentry in buildings) go over to Lost Art Press: Blog. The importance of this work is measured by what our understanding of woodworking, and marquetry in particular, will be when we pass our present knowledge on to others.

 

Another guide to old ways of working wood can be found in "The Cabinet-Maker's Assistant" by Blackie & Son. Published in 1853, it has a section on woods and veneering which will enlighten any woodworker. Dover Publications has a facsimile edition available called "The Victorian Cabinet-Maker's Assistant.