2009 MAF Exhibition

The 2009 MAF Exhibition in Marseille, France was held on June 25th. This is a national exhibition of the "Best Apprentices of France" in trades taught in vocational schools throughout France. Only level 5 students are eligible. In the marquetry class requirements are that a list of woods must be submitted, pieces are cut using the element by element technique, shading by traditional hot sand and pressing the marquetry on a medium without surface treatment - no finish (varnish, wax, oil etc..). Below is a photo from the Exhibition showing the 4 gold medalists.


General design considerations are that entrants follow a predefined pattern which is shown below. Exact dimensions must be adhered to or entry will be rejected. The picture being 17.3" X 13.3"with the boy's height at 15.2" and the girl's at 14.1". Other technical rules such as no frame would seem to help in judging without distraction. The judging is based on 8 definitive catagories with a total of 200 points possible. Choice of woods and technical execution account for half of these.





This emphasis on teaching marquetry as a trade in France ensures that it will be around for a long time and with it a demand for professional marquetarians.