Marquetry Conservation

Conservation of veneered, marquetry-covered, and inlaid artifacts requires special training, knowledge, and techniques. 

It is even truer for Boulle marquetry treatments which are usually composed of metal such as brass and pewter, tortoiseshell or horn, and wood veneers. The multiplicity of drastically different materials in Boulle surfaces increases the difficulties of any conservation treatment. We have developed skills and techniques to work on those challenging projects, such as the rehydration of shells and glues under vacuum.

Marquetry and Boulle-work treatments require matching centuries-old materials without introducing anything that can’t later be identified or reversed. We maintain a working stock of old-growth sliced and sawn veneer for this reason, and every material choice, including tortoiseshell substitutes and shell, is reviewed against CITES regulations before use.

All conservation treatments comply with the American Institute of Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines. 

We have collected and have access to a wide range of old stock veneer, both sliced and sawn. 

We follow the CITES publications and federal laws to regulate our use of rare and/or restricted materials.