Straw marquetry: new course on offer

Words: Moea Vonsy

We all have heard of marquetry as the use of wood veneers to create decorative patterns for furniture or even as stand-alone wall art pieces. Furthermore, the inlay of various materials into wooden furniture, such as tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, and even stingray skin (galuchat), has become a staple of luxury furniture items for centuries.

Straw marquetry combines both ideas by using dyed rye straw to bring mesmerizing and colourful patterns to any piece of furniture. Flattened and applied to the substrate, the naturally lustrous material shines and creates movement and depth under the light.

Dating back to the 17th century, the French art of straw marquetry gained prominence in furniture design during the iconic Art Déco period. Described as the haute couture of marquetry, it is now a favourite finish for high end furniture designers and luxury houses such as Cartier or Louis Vuitton.

Adam Goodrum and Arthur Seigneur, Klaatu. Photos: Victoria Zschommler

I first came across straw marquetry through the work of Adam & Arthur, the iconic award-winning duo of world-renowned industrial designer Adam Goodrum and French craftsman Arthur Seigneur. In particular, their Bloom cabinet, acquired by the NGV in 2018, never fails to induce a sense of wonder and admiration. When their Klaatu cabinet was acquired by the NGA in Canberra in 2021, I decided to reach out to Arthur. I simply had to learn how to create such beauty myself.

Moea Vonsy, Perserverance, silver ash, jarrah. Photos: Ashley Mackevicius

Back then, I was still following my training at the Sturt School for Wood, Mittagong, NSW. After a successful corporate career as an analyst, I had found balance in woodworking and fine furniture making, bringing together hand, head and heart and I had taken the plunge to dedicate myself more fully to this passion.

Moea Vonsy, Vertigo mirror with straw marquetry patterning. Photo: Moea Vonsy

As an artist and designer maker, my work is driven by a love of craftsmanship and of timber as a material. I enjoy exploring both organic and geometric shapes in an attempt to create an emotional connection. I have found that patterns have a unique ability to transcend the natural beauty that is around us. They give order to the chaos, without constricting it. That is probably one of the reasons why straw marquetry exerts such attraction on me. Add to that the amazing range of colours, and you have me completely enchanted.

When I first met Arthur, he responded positively and he generously started to show me his work. Trained in France and New Orleans, Arthur now practises his extraordinary art in Melbourne. With many years of experience, he knows all the secrets of the trade. I was privileged enough to provide some assistance to him and learn from him the techniques (and some of those secrets) of straw marquetry.

Straw marquetry is one of those ‘easy to learn, hard to master’ crafts. It is very accessible, requiring some specialised tools, but no machinery, and can be practiced at home. It can be used in a vast array of applications, from flat panels (doors, drawer fronts, box lids) to curved surfaces. Furniture, decor items, lamps, picture frames, or wall art are all options. While not exactly hard-wearing, straw has been used to cover table tops as well.

I now have the opportunity to pass on this knowledge. Next year I am lucky to be the first to offer a course in straw marquetry at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking. From the preparation of the straw to its application to the substrate, the Introduction to Straw Marquetry class aims at providing the basic techniques to beginners, allowing them to grow in precision through practice, and in creativity through the exploration of the infinity of possible patterns.

Learn more about Moea Vonsy at Instagram @dreamswood_studio