Why the marquetry shack? because this is where I do all my work!
I have been creating marquetry pictures throughout my life. I specialise in all sizes and subjects from miniatures up to twenty square feet. If you are looking for a special picture this is the place - for bigger panels or furniture there are brilliant UK companies like Ace Marquetry at http://www.acemarquetry.co.uk?temp-new-window-replacement=true and my good friends at Veneering Solutions Ltd who produce high quality bespoke panels and furniture: http://www.veneeringsolutionsltd.co.uk
All my work is produced using traditional hand cutting methods. I am responsible for the whole artistic process from design, choice of veneers, cutting, laying, and finishing. My work is unique in that I use centuries' old techniques, but focus on contemporary themes, reflecting everyday life. In fact my style has been described by Piyush Sluri, founder of Handmade in Britain, as 'heritage skills with a contemporary twist' and I have been called in the USA 'the Edward Hopper of marquetry.' My artistic object is to transcend representational art and, like Hopper, to aim for 'subdued drama out of commonplace subjects layered with a poetic meaning, inviting narrative interpretations.
I exhibit and sell regularly in the UK and the USA and accept commissions from around the world. Most of my work is based on my own photographs but I am happy to consider your own themes or photographs. My work is not just limited to pictures but also other work where marquetry is the key feature - signs, games boards, religious artefacts, even replica vinyl album covers! I will let you know whether your request will work in wood - quotations and preliminary discussions are free!
Feel free to look through my portfolio for a sample of my work, and also my commissions page - you will be surprised at the range of commissions I undertake. If you have any questions, please contact me. Also feel free to go to the bottom of the page and do a like for facebook! You can also follow me on instagram: http://www.instagram.com/themarquetryshack
If like me you are tired of seeing fake reviews or testimonials wherever you look, you will be pleased to know that the following are all genuine and can be independently verified. You can ask me for the contact details of anyone you wish to double check or, for the majority of later reviews (all 5 star), you can check my page at Yell
We recently acquired some marquetry crafted by Ian Smith. The subject is taken from the painting 'A Young Man at his Window' by the French impressionist Gustave Caillebotte. We are delighted to own such a skilful piece which is exceptionally well crafted and beautifully finished
Ian Smith crafts marquetry to a most exquisite level. The delicate finish and artistic blend of colours and natural grain give depth and movement to his intricate pictures. The result is lifelike, emotive and nothing short of breathtaking. Most definitely the best marquetry I have come across.
The Marquetry Shack is a hidden gem in the crafting community, run by long-time educator and artist Ian Smith. Ian is a craftsman in the truest sense of the word. He - - chooses to do all his projects by hand - just the way we like it!
A master in his craft
Heritage skills with a contemporary twist
World class marquetry from a master of the art; original subjects and nobody else reflects contemporary themes so well
I am lucky enough to own one of Ian's pieces of artwork. A visitor to our house thought it was a computerised image printed onto a piece of polished wood! He couldn't believe it was hand crafted marquetry. I was once told that there are craftsmen who do something they love but then there are craftsmen who do something they love and get it right. Ian has certainly got it right. Superb
Superb Craftsmanship. I've been lucky enough to see one of Ian's custom installations in the U.S. and to follow his work online for several years. His work is spectacularly crafted, and I look forward to having a Marquetry Shack original of my own very soon!
Marquetry Shack Brilliance! I commissioned Ian to produce a marquetry replication of a photograph from Australia. The journey was a joy from the start. I am still amazed at the likeness of me and my guitar resulting. The attention to detail and skill of matching veneer colours and textures to the image has produced a unique and wonderful work of art; a one of a kind. I highly recommend the Marquetry Shack and Ian as a world class artisan. In a world full of mass produced and quickly replicated produce, Ian’s work is something to behold. Highly recommended.
Artistry at its finest. Ian Smith has a unique ability as an artist to take a natural substance and transform it in to a masterpiece of fine art, a truly talented individual and in every sense of the word a truly passionate artist
Fabulous. Fantastic workmanship bringing pictures to life. Excellent communication which ensures you get exactly what you want.
Ian Smith - another great achievement! Absolutely amazing. A brilliant exhibition, a talented and skilled artist! Marquetry as never seen before! Worth a visit - I’m defo going to buy one! Thank you x
Fantastic handicraft! Absolutely amazed by how detailed the piece is! So much time and effort must have gone into it. Also the fact that it's done by hand makes it that much more special. Thanks again Ian!