In the year 1987 a small business which began producing Marquetry Maps was born in England. The idea behind it was to produce a unique product that most people would like, that most people would be interested in and would be quit unique. The maps came out of an interest in maps by the innovator brought about by an interest in yachting and geography.
The idea behind them was to produce a unique product that most people would like, most people would be interested in and would be totally unique.
The maps came out of an interest in maps by the innovator brought about by an interest in yachting and geography.
Since its inception, when every new product has to find its feet if it is good enough, the product has undergone several changes and out of one map have come several different designs.
Marquetry is the art of making pictures out of inlaying thin pieces of wood called veneers. They have got to be cut to size to fit together. It is an age old craft which is also used in beautifying furniture and is also a hobby whereby pictures of anything can be created.
Marquetry Maps show the shape of regions, states or territories of a country in cut out wood veneers.
The process of making them is an art in itself as perfection is required to produce a high quality, beautiful looking product.
Once the shapes have been cut they are put in position, stuck in, sanded smooth and finally varnished. In each map the woods are chosen so as to make a map appear colourful and interesting. No two maps are the same thus making each one unique.
The inlaid woods are then overlain with a clear plastic sheet showing the geographic features of the area such as names of seas, towns and cities, deserts and mountains, names of the areas which are depicted in the inlaid shapes and pictures of animals and special features.
The map is then framed and the woods are identified on the back of the product..
As this process has lent itself to making a map look very interesting it was only natural to design maps of more than one country hence there is a map of The USA, Australia, New Zealand and The United Kingdom.
All the maps are similiar in the way they look and put together in the same way.
The USA map is the largest and most intricate as there are fifty inlaid states which is quite a feat to assemble. It also comes in two differnt designs one one of which is within The Flag and the other on a black background.
Both are equally impressive and make unique gifts for anyone with a love for their or a country. The woods used are named on the back and they are framed and constructed to a high standard of craftsmanship.
These Marquetry Maps have been described as exquisite, beautiful and clever.
They are great souvenirs and always make perfect birthday and corporate gifts.
