Once associated with Louis XVI and traditionally used in cabinet making, marquetry design has a reputation of being an old fashioned craft. Although the skill dates back to the 16th century, cutting-edge, 21st century designers will tell you it’s anything but old fashioned. The art of marquetry has been given a new lease of life by modern designers like Bethan Laura Wood and David Linley. The boundaries of marquetry are increasing and designers are changing people’s perception of this beautiful craft.
Contemporary designers are changing the perception of marquetry
Bethan Laura Wood’s ‘Hard Rock’ collection was designed to evoke a slice of landscape, the form played with the ambiguity of the nature environment. Inviting the user to explore the shape rather than being told the exact use for each section. The furniture uses a marquetry technique to celebrate all the different qualities of the standard laminates used, treating each one like a rare wood veneer rather than a ‘cheap’ substitute.