Robin Johnson talks with master marquetarian and teacher Audrey Fasquelle in a detailed exploration of the craft, technique and mindset behind one of the most demanding decorative arts. Audrey shares her journey from early cabinet making in France to advanced marquetry for luxury vehicles, along with her teaching roles at Farnham, West Dean and Robinson House Studio.

She explains how veneers behave, how grain direction shapes outcomes, how colours and undertones must be read correctly and why mistakes should be expected and embraced. This episode highlights the real labour behind fine marquetry, the problem solving required for curved work, the rising interest in handmade detail and the importance of slowing down, preparing carefully and training your eye. A clear and honest look at a craft that rewards patience, precision and obsession with detail.

Key Topics Covered

• What marquetry is and why it behaves like a wood based jigsaw
• How Audrey trained across cabinet making, wood turning and carving
• Why veneers break and how to avoid grain related failures
• How colour undertones in wood influence design choices
• How to cut, prepare and assemble intricate patterns by hand
• The value of slow work, patience and a prepared mindset
• What it takes to teach marquetry at West Dean, Farnham and Robinson House
• How luxury car interiors use high level marquetry in curved forms
• Why detailed work demands acceptance of mistakes
• How Audrey became a recognised master in her field
• How long detailed marquetry really takes from drawing to pressing
• Why the craft continues to evolve through new materials and flexible veneers

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

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Key Moments:

00:00 What marquetry is and why it works like a jigsaw

01:20 How veneers behave and why pressing technique matters

03:30 Grain direction and why most beginners snap their first pieces

05:40 Patience, preparation and understanding imperfections

07:05 Audrey’s journey from cabinet making to marquetry training

11:20 Difference between marquetry and parquetry

13:10 Early career challenges and failed attempts at a marquetry business in France

15:20 Working at Silverlining and later moving into luxury automotive marquetry

17:40 Creative demands of high level bespoke interiors

19:10 Learning laser cutting to support modern marquetry practice

20:00 Teaching at West Dean and adapting to different student personalities

26:40 Speaking for woodworker guilds and joining the Farnham teaching team

31:00 Teaching at Robinson House Studio and learning to handle student frustration

35:00 Balancing full time work...