Marquetry Explained: Pictures Made in Veneer | Antique Repair Shop

Marquetry builds decorative images or patterns from shaped pieces of veneer and sometimes other materials. Flowers, foliage, architecture and geometric bands can all be assembled before being laid onto furniture.

What to look for

Examine the cutting lines, shading, species and relationship between design and construction. Sand shading and engraved detail may survive best in protected places.

Common mistakes

Missing elements are easy to over-restore. Aggressive sanding flattens fine detail and can expose glue lines or destroy shaded edges.

Care and repair

Protect from direct sun and water. Photograph lifting areas and consult a marquetry specialist before consolidation or replacement.

References and further reading

[V&A furniture collection](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/furniture)
[Canadian Conservation Institute: agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

This article is educational. Test treatments cautiously and consult a conservator before altering a valuable or historically important object.

Watch the workshop approach

See conservation-minded repairs, examinations and techniques on the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).