W. Patrick Edwards
American School of French Marquetry
When I started Antique Refinishers, Inc., in 1969, I focused my work on conservation and restoration of traditional veneer and marquetry surfaces. Over the years I have gained a reputation for problem solving and historic methods of woodworking. I do not use any power tools or modern materials in my work. I have only used animal protein glue and shellac or wax finishing on all my projects.
For the first 20 years I was self-educated, using deduction and observation to determine how early woodworkers produced their work. However, when Dr. Pierre Ramond published his book, "Marquetry", in English in 1989, I was excited to learn about the existence of ecole Boulle, in Paris. WIth the help of Brian Considine, at the J. Paul Getty Museum, I was accepted by Dr. Ramond for study at ecole Boulle, in 1992. During the next 4 years I returned each year to complete my courses with Dr. Ramond, during which time I was exposed to the finest marquetry workshops in France, Belgium and England.
One of the most important tools in my marquetry workshop is the chevalet. This tool is particular to the French method of work, having been developed sometime in the late 18th century. I had first discovered the existence of this tool in 1978, but at ecole Boulle I was properly instructed in all aspects of its function. Dr. Ramond has recognized my efforts to introduce this tool to Americans in Volume II of the "Masterpieces of Marquetry" series as the "perpetual transfer of techniques between continents".
Between 1995 and 2000 I was accredited by ecole Boulle to receive their marquetry students in my shop for a "stage" as interns. When Dr. Ramond retired that year I decided to stop that program and open my own school, the American School of French Marquetry. Currently I share teaching with Patrice Lejeune, also a graduate of ecole Boulle, and offer classes in French marquetry using the same materials and methods as those at ecole Boulle.
Since I have only 7 chevalets in the school, class size is limited and the student/teacher ratio is 3:1.
More information is available at my website.
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