The Lost Art of Marquetry Talk

Unlike High Wycombe’s famous furniture trade nothing is recorded about the part played by two large local firms engaged in the production of marquetry, the lost art of Wycombe. Marquetry is the craft of creating decorative inlays and panels using contrasting exotic wood veneers. This local craft can be traced back to the mid-19th century when a German émigré, Richard Graefe introduced this decorative art to the local furniture trade, hence ‘inlayed furniture’. Both Richard Graefe and the firms’ eventual competitor Walter Baker became substantial employers in the town, but their significance has passed unrecognized. Stuart King was probably the last person in our furniture town to learn this dying art.

Stuart has created a large collection of the many forms of marquetry, most relating to High Wycombe, this will be on display during his illustrated presentation. There will also be a short demonstration of the ‘Marquetry Cutters Donkey’, the hand operated fretsaw used to saw the veneers. We can trace inlayed furniture back to the Egyptians, but this presentation will concentrate on the last 175 years in High Wycombe.

Website: www.stuartking.co.uk

Accessibility info: Step free access, lift, accessible toilet, baby changing

Facilities info: There is a café on site serving hot and cold drinks, cake, and sandwiches

Location: The Old Stable, Wycombe Museum, High Wycombe, HP13 6PX

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This talk is free to attend, but donations are welcome.

This event is part of the Chilterns Chairs Festival, running through July in celebration of the unique chairmaking heritage of Wycombe and the local area. With a varied programme of events, you’ll learn how the industry grew from the local landscape into thriving furniture production which proudly continues today. Join us to celebrate the stories, the chairs and the surroundings which make up our history. There’s something for everyone, so get involved!

The Chiltern’s Chairs Festival is being organised by Wycombe Museum and is funded by the Chalk, Cherries & Chairs Landscape Partnership.