2011 MAF Exhibition

The 2011 MAF Exhibition of marquetry in France has set the requirements for entrants. The mandatory pattern is shown below and was drawn by Michel Wagner, himself a winner in 2000. 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 ( natural and dyed veneers allowed), pieces are cut using the element by element technique with either a scrollsaw or the chevalet de Marqueterie. Shading by traditional hot sand and pressing the marquetry on a medium without surface treatment - no finish (varnish, wax, oil etc..). The substrate must be 15mm X 350mm x 270mm.

Finally, I have displayed past winners and it is easy to see why strict rules foster quality. Keep in mind these are students.



As a postscript to this post it is well to remember that competitions outside of France that do not nationalize a craft have no distinction between that and art. They never will. The last exhibition I attended which was held in an effort to promote marquetry as an art form displayed laser marquetry next to that made by hand. No difference between the two was mentioned nor displayed forthright. This is a hypocrisy that causes more harm than good and misinforms the viewing public. It's what I call attribution by association. Of course some will say they don't need to know, but I will save that one for another post!

Marquetry Kits

Marquetry kits have been around as long as I remember and have inspired many to take marquetry up as a hobby. Once thought to be the domain of specialized craftsmen it has enabled anyone to practice this craft. Kits come in a variety of skill levels and sizes. At the bottom end are those that include nothing more than a pattern and a selection of domestic veneers. These are the ones that individual craftsmen offer, usually of a small size. The user is required to do his own cutting either with a knife or a fretsaw. The top end kits include everything to create a marquetry picture with the veneer pieces already cut out. Backing board, sandpaper, finish and frame are all included. I thought it would be interesting to inspect one of these better kits and the results are detailed below.

Each piece that makes up the picture is laser-cut from veneer that has a permanent paper backing as seen below. This makes it more stable and an excellent bond for the adhesive.




The kerf which results from this type of cutting is identical to that of a #5 jeweler's blade. This same laser cuts the pattern onto a backing of 1/8" pressed hardboard. A clear adhesive film is placed over this pattern and the pieces of veneer are assembled (paper-side up) working from the center out to the edges. When this is complete the backing board is turned over and the protective covering is removed exposing the contact-adhesive. The marquetry assembly is placed onto the backing board little by little or by using a slip sheet. After pressing into place the clear adhesive film is removed. Finally, the finish is applied and framed.

I thought the assembly approach was straightforward. The kit contained 15 different veneers - both domestic and imported. All were of the same thickness and the only problem I encountered was that 2 pieces had to be trimmed slightly with a knife to fit. This was a large picture and my guess was that it contained over a 100 pieces. Marquetry kits have evolved over the years and this one was as simple as it gets with no marquetry experience needed.

NOTICE

I will be relocating in the near future and unable to do any posting during that time. After I get settled my posting will resume. Until that time, though, this blog will continue as usual.