June 4, 2025

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Traditions at Epiphany: Wood Crafting
by parishioner Dick Fichter with assistance from Rev. Dina

We continue with traditions at Epiphany. Last time we noted the needlepoint on the east wall of the Nave, which are the alpha and omega. On the adjacent wall is The Last Supper between two icons. The Last Supper piece was owned by Elizabeth Gilmore’s late uncle and is an example of the wood marquetry inlay technique.

The opening image is a picture of it. See the detail by enlarging the photo and/or looking carefully at it at church.

Marquetry inlay was developed by furniture makers to decorate furniture and cabinets and by artisans to produce plaques. It is an ancient craft using cut pieces of wood and other materials to form intricate designs on a base or inlaid into a base. This description of the technique is taken from davidsonlondon.com which is worth looking at.

Originally hand cut by fret saw, knife, scalpel or guillotine and using exotic materials, marquetry is traditionally an expensive, time-consuming craft that involves multiple stages, from drawing the design out onto card and carving the veneers, to fitting the pieces together, one at a time, before scraping, rubbing down, waxing and polishing the surface.

All sorts of veneers can be used in marquetry and a key part of the skill comes from working with the different textures, colors and grains of the natural wood to create beautiful designs. Indeed, many marquetry artists will tell you that they work with wood

We hope that you have an opportunity to carefully view the marquetry inlay at church to fully appreciate its artistry.

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