Chippendale's classic Marquetry Revealed

About the AuthorWith over 20 years experience as a marqueteur Jack Metcalfe has devoted himself to uncovering and mastering the techniques of marquetry as practiced by Chippendales skilled artisans in the eighteenth century. Using equipment materials dyes and techniques as close to the original as possible Jack has built replicas of several of Chippendales most striking pieces of furniture including the famous Diana & Minerva Commode. His careful research into the use of dyes including ground-breaking sceintific analysis of the dyes used on Chippendales marquetry has enabled him to reveal the often startling fresh colours that Chippendales furniture would have displayed when first made.About the bookIn this authorative and wide-ranging volume published to concide with the 300th anniversary of Thomas Chippendales birth Jack Metcalfe provides fascinating insights into all aspects of 18th century marquetry gained from close first-hand examination of Chippendales origianl pieces. Using his insides knowledge and skill as a practioner he details his discoveries about how veneers were cut and dyed how marquetry panels were constructed and applied to furniture what challenges marqueturs faced and the resourceful ways they found of overcoming them.With its lively engaging narrative and packed full of over 700 colour images this book is essential reading for marqueteurs cabinet makers dyers furniture historians and anyone interested in the work of arguably Britains finest furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. There are seperate chapters covering: Materials and tools used in Chippendales time.Techniques of 18th century marquetry.Dyes and dyeing techniques including the scientific analysis of dyes used on Chippendales furniture.Details step-by-step descriptions of the construction of three replica pieces by the author.A detailed illustrated gallery of all the known marquetry commissions made by Thomas Chippendale.Jack frequently gives lectures on Thomas Chippendales life and work and especially his marquetry furniture. Jacks first book The Marquetry Course is available from selected internet booksellers.