On July 18th Jack Metcalfe gave us a talk titled ‘Chippendale’s Classic Marquetry Revealed’. When Jack retired, he looked for a hobby, and became fascinated with marquetry – the art of applying pieces of veneer in decorative patterns to furniture. He was inspired by seeing the work of Thomas Chippendale, born in Otley, whose largest commission was to fit out Harewood House with his wonderful classic furniture.
Jack told us of his own ‘apprenticeship’, about the hand tools that he uses, based on Chippendale’s own, the different hardwoods and the distinctive animal and vegetable glues used to attach the veneer and to provide colours and effects. A fascinating video showed Jack at work, and he presented some slides of Chippendale’s original pieces and their history. Jack’s replica pieces were seen to be amazingly colourful as well as astonishingly accurate. A fantastic, well presented talk, much appreciated by members.
The 300th anniversary of Chippendale’s birth is this year, and original pieces and some of Jack’s replicas can be seen at Harewood House and Newby Hall until the end of September.