Activities

Making patterns in wood is a decorative art form popularised by Italian cabinetmakers as early as the 15th century, but certainly familiar to many cultures. Intarsia is the term for wood inlay while marquetry encompasses veneers of wood, ivory and metal inlaid into a wood surface to form intricate designs. Be it a studiolo in an Italian palazzo or a British piece of Tunbridge Ware, there is a trompe l’oeil magic to this art form that has captivated admirers for generations. Join V and A lecturer Anne Haworth who will define, describe and display examples of marquetry and intarsia revealing the study in contrasts that the artful use of inlay can produce. Follow in the footsteps of these inlay magicians until we can marvel at their work in situ.