Exploring the Art of Marquetry: A Guide from Kendals Restoration

0064775237 • 11 February 2025

 Expert Furniture Restoration and Reupholstery in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire

Marquetry, the art of applying pieces of veneer to create decorative patterns and designs, has been a revered craft for centuries.

Marquetry if often intricate and delicate and as such can be prone to damage. At Kendals, we take pride in our expertise in repairing various marquetry techniques.


Discover the different types of marquetry -

Traditional Marquetry

Traditional marquetry involves creating intricate designs using various wood veneers. This method has been popular since the Renaissance and is known for its detailed and elaborate patterns. The process requires precision and skill to achieve stunning results.

Boulle Marquetry

Named after the French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle, this technique combines wood veneer with other materials such as brass, tortoiseshell, and mother-of-pearl. Boulle marquetry is characterized by its luxurious and opulent designs, often seen in 17th and 18th-century French furniture.

Tarsia Marquetry

Originating in Italy, tarsia marquetry involves creating geometric patterns using different wood veneers. This technique was commonly used in Italian furniture during the Renaissance and is known for its precise and symmetrical designs.

Parquetry

Parquetry is a type of marquetry that focuses on geometric patterns, often used for flooring. However, it can also be applied to furniture, creating eye-catching designs with a modern flair. Parquetry typically uses wood veneers arranged in repeating patterns.

Floral Marquetry

Floral marquetry features intricate designs of flowers and foliage, bringing a natural and organic feel to furniture. This technique requires a keen eye for detail and an artistic touch to create lifelike floral patterns.

Contemporary Marquetry

Modern artists and craftsmen have expanded the boundaries of marquetry, experimenting with new materials and techniques. Contemporary marquetry often combines traditional methods with innovative designs, resulting in unique and artistic pieces.


Marquetry is a timeless art that adds beauty and elegance to furniture. At Kendals, our skilled artisans are well-versed in various marquetry techniques, ensuring that each piece is a true work of art.


by 0064775237 31 October 2025
At Kendal Restoration, we believe that every frame should reflect not only the beauty of the object it holds, but the integrity of the materials behind it. That’s why we choose to work with suppliers who share our values—craftsmanship, responsibility, and care for the planet. Two of our most trusted partners, Lion Picture Framing and Larson-Juhl, are leading the way in sustainable sourcing. Their commitment to ethical practices ensures that every moulding, mount, and material we use is as thoughtful as the restoration itself. Lion Picture Framing: Practical Sustainability with a Local Focus Lion PF has built its reputation on quality and innovation, with sustainability woven into its operations. Their approach is grounded in transparency and practicality, making it easy for framers and restorers to make responsible choices. • FSC-certified timber: Lion prioritises mouldings made from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests. This ensures that every frame supports long-term forest health and biodiversity. • Low-impact finishes: Many of their products use water-based or low-VOC coatings, reducing harmful emissions and improving indoor air quality. • Efficient packaging: Lion uses recyclable and minimal packaging, helping reduce waste across the supply chain. • UK-based distribution: By sourcing and distributing locally where possible, Lion reduces transport emissions and supports British manufacturing. Their sustainability efforts are practical and accessible, allowing small workshops like ours to make better choices without compromising on quality. Larson-Juhl: Global Leadership in Ethical Framing As one of the world’s largest framing suppliers, Larson-Juhl brings scale and influence to sustainable sourcing. Their commitment spans continents, with a focus on long-term environmental stewardship. • Certified wood sourcing: Larson-Juhl uses FSC and PEFC-certified timber across its product lines, ensuring traceability and ethical forestry practices. • Eco-conscious manufacturing: Their facilities are designed to minimise energy use, with many operating on renewable energy and implementing waste-reduction programmes. • Recycled and sustainable mouldings: Larson-Juhl offers mouldings made from recycled materials and sustainably harvested wood, combining style with responsibility. • Reforestation and conservation: Through partnerships and internal initiatives, they actively support tree planting and forest conservation efforts worldwide. Their global reach allows them to set high standards across the industry, and we’re proud to bring their products into our local projects. What This Means for Our Clients When you choose Kendal Restoration, you’re not just investing in craftsmanship—you’re supporting a supply chain that values sustainability, ethics, and transparency. Whether we’re framing a family heirloom or a contemporary print, we select materials that reflect your values and ours. • You receive a product made from responsibly sourced wood • You support suppliers who care about the planet and future generations • You enjoy a frame that’s beautiful, durable, and ethically made Sustainability in framing isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. By partnering with Lion PF and Larson-Juhl, we ensure that every detail of your restoration is rooted in care, from the materials we choose to the stories we help preserve. At Kendal Restoration, framing with purpose means framing with integrity.
Hamilton Billiards Showroom
by 0064775237 17 October 2025
At Kendals Restoration, we know that true craftsmanship is never rushed. It lives in the careful sanding of a timeworn chair leg, the sympathetic repair of a marquetry inlay, and the final polish that brings a piece back to life. That same reverence for detail and tradition runs through our sister company, Hamilton Billiards . They specialise in handcrafted snooker, pool, and billiard tables, along with the cues, accessories, and restorations that complete the experience.
1 October 2025
When it comes to restoring or upholstering furniture, leather is often the material of choice for its durability, elegance, and timeless appeal. But not all leather is created equal, and for discerning clients, leather accreditation is more than a label. It is a mark of quality, ethics, and trust.
by 0064775237 11 July 2025
Not everything fits inside a neat rectangle and at Kendals Framing , that’s exactly where the challenge (and the creativity) begins. Whether it’s a vintage tennis racket, a curved heirloom brooch, or a badge collection that sprawls in asymmetrical glory, our custom-shaped mounts are designed to cradle objects that defy convention. Framing Challenges We Solve Here are some examples of what we’re asked to frame and how shaped mounts bring them to life: Sports memorabilia : Football boots, tennis rackets, medals arranged in a dynamic arc Tools or instruments : Brass gauges, pliers, or watch parts in thematic layouts Fashion accessories : Necklaces or brooches styled in visual waves or clusters Historic artifacts : Keys, letters, coins or map fragments placed in layered storyboards These items often come with complex silhouettes , so standard mounts just won't do. We use CNC-guided cutting to create accurate contours or layered recesses, making sure each object feels intentionally placed — not forced in. How Shaped Mounting Works The process starts with a visual consultation. We assess the object's size, curvature, and desired orientation. Then: We digitise the object's outline to guide the cutting software Custom apertures are designed to complement both form and function Grooves or multi-layer structures are added if extra depth or support is needed Mountboard finishes are chosen to match the item’s tone — from subtle conservation-grade hues to bold accents for retail or branding impact When Function Meets Flair These frames are more than display cases — they’re storytelling devices. A well-shaped mount lets the item “breathe,” offering the right space around each edge while creating a visually balanced layout. And for high-value or fragile items, we incorporate invisible support structures or protective recesses that preserve integrity without compromising aesthetics.
More posts