Pierre-Henri Beyssac

Wood marquetry maker

©Geronimo

©Pierre-Henri Beyssac

©Geronimo

©Pierre-Henri Beyssac

Puzzle paintings

Pierre-Henri first studied cabinetmaking
His craft gives him balance in his life
He was named "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" in 2015

Pierre-Henri discovered marquetry while studying cabinetmaking at the École Boulle in Paris. The craft was a true revelation for one that describes himself as "rather impatient": he discovered infinite patience working with meticulousness and precision for hours on end. After working for a few years in France, Italy, and the Réunion Island, Pierre-Henri ran the marquetry workshop of the École Boulle from 2011 to 2016. Whilst keeping his own atelier and teaching the younger generation, an activity he describes as highly enjoyable and very important to him, the craftsman was awarded the prestigious title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in 2015. Today, he mixes woodwork with other materials such as mother of pearl, parchment, horn and gilding.

Interview

©Benjamin Brechet

©Pierre-Henri Beyssac

How do people react upon discovering your art?: It is two dimensional, so people don’t understand that it is carved. I make puzzles, I cut out pieces, put them together and create patterns. That is abstract to some, since it looks like a painting. In the 17th century, marquetry was actually called wood painting.
How do you choose your wood?: I choose it according to its texture, its colour, its shape, and I assemble my landscapes by juxtaposing them. I work on the shapes and natural contours of the pieces I recover. I keep the natural colour of the wood.
What techniques do you use?: I use traditional techniques but I also learned everything digital. It's very important as a teacher to keep up, so I decided to train myself in these new techniques. You either follow or you stay on the side-lines.
What is so special about marquetry to you?: There is such an importance in the wood and the texture that it can take a long time to carve the first line. But when you find it, it's incredible. It's the missing piece, and everything falls into place.

Pierre-Henri Beyssac is a master artisan: he began his career in 2002 and he started teaching in 2009