The Marquetry Symposium in Vadstena will be the second international symposium hosted by Carl Malmsten Centre of Wood Technology & Design at Linköping University. We are convinced this event will be as successful and interesting as the Upholstery Symposium in 2005.

Since ancient times marquetry has been used to decorate furniture and interiors. Starting with basic but intricate geometric patterns in the Middle Ages, the art of marquetry had its peak in the late 18th century when craftsmen like Riesner, Roentgen and Haupt produced highly elaborate and artistic inlays. Even though the the art and craft of marquetry has gradually declined ever since the Art Deco-period we also find a living tradition, not least at Carl Malmsten Centre of Wood Technology & Design in Stockholm.

Restoration projects confront us with problems where at least part of the solution is hidden in the actual craft procedure. However, technical documentation on historic techniques and tools is scarce; so is research on timbers and other materials involved. A better understanding of the technical aspects is crucial also for the development of modern marquetry.

The aim of the symposium is to bring together both art historians, designers, craftsmen, conservators/restorers and conservation scientists. The interest in the symposium and the response on our First Call for Papers has been far beyond our expectations.

The presentations will cover a multitude of aspects and is well inline with our ambition to include both historical, theoretical, technical and designrelated aspects in the programme.

The symposium in Vadstena will offer rich possibilities to exchange information and opinions with collegues from all over the world.

05.- Cultural Heritage