Innovating Marquetry: How Ateliers SP Is Redefining a Classic Craft
Following the first part of our conversation with Marianne Barrier, where she outlined Ateliers SP’s vision and the role of Art Deco in shaping their work, we continue the interview with a focus on innovation.
In this interview, Barrier discusses new approaches such as combining straw with metal, developing flexible supports, and exploring larger formats. She also reflects on how exhibitions strengthen her practice, foster collaborations, and bring growing recognition to straw marquetry.
Q: Can you describe any new techniques or materials Ateliers SP have developed recently in marquetry?
Marianne Barrier: Recently, Ateliers SP have developed an association between straw marquetry and a metal marquetry. The two combine finesse and brilliance, which will allow, in the future, to develop this technique for decorations and furniture. We are also developing a marquetry on a flexible material, though this project is still in the draft stage.
Q: Are there examples of projects where you pushed the boundaries of traditional marquetry through scale, form, pattern, or digital tools?
Marianne Barrier: The Cascade table produced in October 2024 indeed addressed some challenges such as the application of straw marquetry on curves relatively supported both by the angle and the chosen pattern. The folding screen, produced for the Révélation exhibition, was a real challenge because it presents straw inlay on a large format which itself is made of small sections of inlay in volume. It is quite a rare presentation of straw marquetry.
Q: How has participation in events like Révélations and the European Artistic Craft Days (JEMA) supported your practice and the visibility of marquetry in general?
Marianne Barrier: Events such as craft art and creation fairs have allowed me to strengthen my practice of straw marquetry within the SP Workshops. The public understood that my practice was focused on innovation and the quest for challenges to sublimate an ancestral craft.
Q: Have these events contributed to innovations or collaborations within your atelier?
Marianne Barrier: Collaborations are underway following the presentation of our know-how at the Révélations exhibition.
Q: What feedback or impact have you seen from showing your work at these major exhibitions?
Marianne Barrier: Very positive feedback, praise and a real enthusiasm for the technical prowess that my work in the field of straw marquetry presents, both in terms of design and realization. Some came to the Grand Palais to propose that I exhibit at other exhibitions such as the Rendez-vous de la Matière, which will be held at the Carreau du Temple in Paris next October.