Craig Thibodeau's Dogwood Marquetry Buffet

Craig in his studio

Craig sent some photos of his new 'dogwood marquetry buffet', so I'll focus this post on Craig's dogwood theme. It's a good example of marquetry's affinity for natural imagery. In a recent post - Craig Thibodeau's Art Deco Chess Table - I presented some of his Art Deco pieces. Silas Kopf was originally attracted to marquetry by the Art Nouveau floral designs of Galle and Majorelle. Craig took a course from Paul Schurch, another master at enhancing furniture designs with natural marquetry imagery. Like Silas and Paul, Craig is constantly expanding his marquetry and furniture design vocabulary while developing his own unique look. 

Dogwood flower marquetry motif
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Here are the pictures of this impressive dogwood marquetry buffet. I've added some images of Craig's other dogwood embellished furniture pieces, as well as one gardenia themed sideboard and mirror. Marquetry can morph into an endless variety of themes and shapes.

Gradually a complete view of Craig's profile and portfolio will coalesce into the MiArtStudio gallery.

Craig Thibodeau's Gallery Portfolio
To see more examples go to Craig's gallery portfolio or his site at ctfinefurniture.com.

The 'Dogwood Marquetry Buffet'

 Dogwood Marquetry Buffet

  marquetry on an ash burl background with a wenge framework
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Detail of marquetry design on cabinet doors
Dogwood flowers are holly with sand-shading
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David J. Marks - Marquetry Innovator and Teacher

David J. Marks Designer Craftsman 

David J. Marks

Artist's Statement

 "My work expresses a sense of time and mystery. My inspiration is derived from a fusion of styles including ancient Egyptian, African, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Asian. But essential to all my designs is the attention I pay to fine details.
 After studying art at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, I moved to Santa Rosa and began working in cabinet and furniture shops during the 1970s. In 1981, I opened my own Santa Rosa studio and built one-of-a-kind furniture throughout the 1980s. In the 90s, my focus shifted towards wood turning and sculpture."Today, besides my continued work in fine woodworking, I am interested in 
 patination.The patina finish that is a trademark of my work, is a hybrid I’ve developed over the last decade. It combines painting, gilding (metal leafing), chemical patinas, and lacquering techniques. The complex layers result in something that gives the appearance of a faux, ancient, petrified stone quality."

Sculptural Inlay Art

The Queen Mary, Spindler Studio and Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms

Bettys Café Tea Rooms, York 

Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms, York

My recent post about the David Linley marquetry art panel for the Queen Elizabeth reminded me of Paul Spindler's marquetry panels for the Queen Mary and the Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms story...

In 1919, Frederick Belmont, a confectioner by trade, opened the first of his Bettys tea rooms in Harrogate. The blend of Yorkshire hospitality with Swiss culinary precision was a hit and royal patronage soon followed. The tea rooms remain popular today yet have retained the elegance and style of the past. You can still view the Art Nouveau marquetry designs of Yorkshire scenes on the walls in the basement, known as the Spindler Gallery that Belmont commissioned from Paul Spindler of the Spindler studio in Alsace [Charles Spindler (1865-1938); Paul Spindler (1906-1980); Jean-Charles Spindler, Paul’s son, took over the day-to-day operation of the workshop in 1975]. 

Interior design inspired by the Queen Mary cruise liner

 In 1936 Belmont traveled on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary. He was so enthralled by the splendor of the ship that he commissioned the Queen Marys’ designers and craftsmen to turn a furniture store into his most sophisticated branch yet – an elegant café right in the heart of York, Bettys' York branch.

 

The Art Deco Elegance of the Belmont Room

The art deco elegance of the Queen Mary is particularly evident in the first floor Belmont Room which was based on one of the cruise liner’s state rooms. Today, as you sit in Bettys surrounded by huge curved windows, elegant wood panelling and ornate mirrors, you can almost imagine yourself aboard the historic ocean liner.

 Photos and portions of text courtesy of Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms