Original Marquetry Ltd

Original Marquetry Ltd: Wood Veneers and Handcrafted Marquetry from Bristol

Original Marquetry Ltd is a Bristol-based supplier and manufacturer specialising in decorative wood veneers and traditional marquetry. Established in 1994, the company describes itself as the UK’s leading wood veneer supplier and a specialist in rare and fine veneers. Its catalogue covers natural and dyed veneers, inlay bandings, brass and mother-of-pearl components, tools and adhesives, alongside a bespoke marquetry workshop that produces panels, shells and restoration work in-house.

The business operates online only, with orders handled through its website and delivery offered to mainland UK for selected items at a stated charge of £6.95.

Wood Veneers: Species, Formats and Finishes

Most veneers are sold as single leaves, and the company also offers bundles and logs on request. The range is organised into several categories:

• Decorative and rare veneers: high-quality, large and highly figured leaves, including species such as Tamo Ash and White Ebony.
• Burr veneers: a broad selection including Burr Walnut, supplied flat or ready to lay on panels, aimed at furniture makers and luxury car dashboards.
• Coloured and dyed veneers: over 20 pre-dyed Tulipwood colours and eight pre-dyed Birdseye Maple colours, available as packs or larger single leaves.
• Saw-cut veneers: rare 2 mm thick exotic veneers with pronounced figuring, notably Ziricote and Indian Rosewood; several species also come in thicknesses from 1.2 mm to 7.0 mm.
• Oyster veneers: distinctive grain patterns intended for high-end furniture, cabinetry and interior design.
• Constructional veneers: suited to large panel projects such as furniture, cabinetry, interior design and skateboards.
• Curated and rare bundles: handpicked selections with unique grains.
• Specialist lines: guitar veneers, dashboard veneers and flexible veneers.

Wood veneer packs are presented as suitable for smaller leaves, woodworking, restoration and dollhouse crafts. The site also lists a limited-edition coloured veneer pack featuring 20 hues from light to dark shades.

Marquetry Panels, Inlays and Bandings

The company states that it is a marquetry cutting specialist and one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of marquetry panels, all handcrafted in-house in the UK. It emphasises the use of antique traditional and professional woodworking methods, including fretsaw machine cutting and sand shading, rather than CNC laser cutting.

The marquetry offer includes panels and motifs, shells and fans, kits, long-case marquetry, fretwork repair panels and bespoke commissions. For inlays, the catalogue lists over 100 inlay bandings in assorted designs, plus plain lines and stringing. Bespoke marquetry styles named on the site are Classic, French, English, Boulle, Seaweed, Arabesque and Contemporary. The company also produces chess and backgammon boards and accepts one-off commissions to customer designs.

Decorative Finishing Touches and Tools

Beyond veneers and marquetry, Original Marquetry Ltd supplies materials and equipment for finishing and restoration:

• Brass cabinet fittings: locks, clasps, handles, hinges, screws, pins, feet and tray surrounds.
• Inlay brass strips and rods: square, flat, round, half-round, L-shape, hexagonal and T-section profiles, intended for furniture makers and flooring; bespoke orders and different finishes are available.
• Mother of pearl and abalone: the company describes itself as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of mother of pearl, abalone and faux ivory.
• Fret and piercing saw blades: for wood, metal, horn, mother of pearl, shells, bone and plastics.
• Tools and adhesives: glue film and iron-on adhesive, contact glue, veneer tapes, polishing kits, craft knives, cutting mats, veneer and marquetry tools, watchmaker tools and beginner marquetry tools.

Restoration, Reproduction and Fretwork

The workshop undertakes marquetry restorations, reproductions and fretwork repair. These services sit alongside the bespoke marquetry offer and are presented as part of the company’s in-house handcrafted production.

Practical Details

Original Marquetry Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 6584908. The company states that it trades online only; its registered address is 143 Bishopthorpe Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS10 5AF, United Kingdom. The site lists a delivery charge of £6.95 to mainland UK for selected items and provides samples and a size guide for buyers.