American 'pad' method

I have noticed in the last couple of years that more people have taken up pad cutting. Mind you, I'm not talking about the piece by piece method, but the all-in-one pad which is a variation of the Boulle method. This is in contrast to the artsy bevel method that many still practice and who are obsessed with not having any gaps in their work. I think this is an attempt to make their marquetry comparable to fine art painting. In the real world this just isn't possible. Although I have seen a few pieces I consider art, I am always reminded that marquetry is a craft. Making and selling to collectors does not change a thing. Neither does price. Just ask any appraiser or customs agent. I will come back to this point in a minute, but lets continue with the subject at hand.


The all-in-one pad method is just what it says. All the veneers needed to produce the the design are assembled in one pad. Pieces of waste material are placed on the top and bottom with a pattern afixed to the latter. The whole is cut in one simultaneous operation. Saw capacity is not a factor as the pad can be cut in to smaller sections as needed providing the pattern allows for this. When all the pieces have been cut they are assembled with a perfect fit except for a gap around each piece the width of the sawblade. With a 2/0 blade it is hardly noticeable. I've heard tell that this was called the American 'pad' method due to its popular use in the 1970's. It is undoubtedly one of the easiest methods available. The result is very pleasing providing you can get over the above obsession.


I knew a fellow (who is no longer living) that employed this very same technique. He would crank these out on a scale that I find even today hard to believe. These were not sold, but given away just for the asking. I must say, that's one way to propagate your work. In addition to this, he would show how it was done to anyone who was interested. As it turned out I happened to be at an estate sale a few years ago and 2 of his marquetry pictures were on display and for sale. I don't remember what the price was or how they got there, but they were a bargain. They are displayed below.


That brings me to the point I made earlier. Marquetry is basically craft no matter who makes it, how its made and for who its made. Over the years I have queried everyone from antique dealers to interior decorators on how they would categorize standalone marquetry. The answer is always the same. . . craft!