Artistry in Wood

Fans of marquetry at its highest level will really appreciate this latest disc in the Marquetry Society "Training DVD" catalogue.

Possibly one of the most successful marquetarians in the history of marquetry Alan Townsend, has been filmed giving a talk and demonstrations to the enthralled members of the Meopham Marquetry Group.

Alan describes how he started out his life in marquetry as a veneer preparer, and he takes us through all the processes of veneer preparation from the log itself on to the finished sheets of perfect veneer.

The techniques of correcting flaws and worm holes in burrs (burls) is particularly fascinating. The end result achieved by these highly skilled veneer preparers just has to be seen to be believed; you would never know that the finished veneer had ever had any faults to begin with, the finished result really is that perfect! Just watch Alan at work to see for yourself.

The screen shot here (taken directly from the DVD) shows Alan describing how the veneers are carefully selected for exclusive use in the most top market London Hotels. No room for such things as "sticky backed plastic wood effect coverings" here!

In this screen shot on the right, Alan demonstrates how four book matched veneers are chosen and aligned ready for gluing.

We guarantee that once you see Alan's demo you'll say "so that's how it's done!". Don't worry though, we all said it here!

In the screen shot left you see Alan demonstrating the spear point 'joining' method of cutting through two aligned veneers at the same time. The screen capture on the right is taken from Alan's marquetry portrait section of the 'Alan Townsend Presents' DVD.

This new DVD from our training DVDs catalogue is certainly going to be very popular. The insights Alan gives us into the background of veneer work is totally absorbing. If you want to treat yourself to a wealth of marquetry knowledge, this is the DVD to have.