The Harrow Marquetry Group has an active membership of people from all walks of life with marquetry kills ranging from the novice to the very experienced. Tuition is provided by practical example on a one to one informal basis. We have a very good selection of veneers available and all the other equipment needed to get started.
The techniques are relatively simple and involve making pictures or decorating wooden items with exotic veneers. No expensive machinery, (producing mountains of wood shavings in a draughty shed or garage), is involved. Marquetry is a hobby that can be done by men and women, young or old and can also be pursued in the comfort of your own home. It does require patience and concentration, but if you enjoy listening to the radio, or music, and have time on your hands, you can combine the two. The results achieved can be very rewarding, even for the very beginner.
As well as working evenings, we also have visiting speakers, member’s talks and regular practical demonstrations for the benefit of membership. Along with these events, we have the occasional slide show, plus a few social events during the year and also participate in inter-club competitions for those who wish to do so.
Throughout the year, we attend various art and craft exhibitions in and around the area displaying our work and to promote marquetry and our group. Earlier in the year we took part in ‘The Good Wood Works’ Exhibition in the Riverside Gallery, Richmond where, to quote the Curator of Exhibitions “the response has been overwhelmingly positive and visitors loved the marquetry”. Each year around May time, we participate in the 4 day ‘Living Craft Fair’ at Hatfield House, in Hatfield, alongside the St Albans Marquetry Group.
In the spring 2012, we will be holding an exhibition of some of our beautiful pieces of work in the Art Gallery from the 20th of April-9th June inclusive.
Examples of applied marquetry and also pictorial work done by current members
We have our own web page on The Marquetry Society website, where it can be seen that interest in Marquetry comes from all around the world. Our web page on www.marquetry.org contains details about our group or you can contact Martin on 020 8845 7180 for any further information.
We meet every Friday evening except Christmas, Good Friday and during the month of August between 7.30 and 10.00pm in the Hatch End Free Church Hall, Rowlands Avenue, (Corner of Uxbridge Road), Hatch End, Middlesex, HA5 4DF