Straw marquetry

Straw marquetry is very similar to the craft of wood Marquetry, except that straw replaces the wood veneer.

It is thought to have been practised first in the East. Examples were brought to England in the 17th century.

There are accounts of nuns in France and Switzerland making a variety of items using Straw marquetry.

The most famous straw marquetry was practised by prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars. Dartmoor and other prisons had been built for them, and the most famous for straw marquetry was Norman Cross, Huntingdon.

• Straw eggs
  • Easter eggs are decorated with straw applique, especially in Eastern European countries. Geometric shapes, stars and flower motifs are the most common themes. There is a slight difference between te way the straw is prepared. For Straw Marquetry, the straws are soaked, split and ironed; for egg decoration it is soaked and split, but not ironed.

Much more to follow.......