In 1795, Thomas Barrett agreed to teach his young apprentice, John Lenox, the arts and mysteries of inlay. Barrett, thoroughly gifted in his trade, executed inlay and marquetry for all of Baltimores leading cabinetmakers. Steven Lattas presentation will explain these arts and mysteries, will show examples of his contemporary methods, and will illustrate how these centuries old techniques are replicated in contemporary Federal style pieces.

The sweeping changes in American Federal period cabinetmaking and furniture styles closely paralleled the emergence of the new nation, leading to an age of the specialist and commerce with gilders, upholsterers, carvers, wood-turners settling into their individual niches. Of all these skills, few generate such awe and bewilderment as inlay, particularly that of the Federal period. Inlay and adherence to the antique, became the model of perfection in furniture and the rage of the new nation, defining the grace and style of these pieces. Its complexities can mystify a modern aesthetic used to machine-made disposable furniture. Professor Lattas presentation will help us understand the use of inlay to create this mode of Federal era furniture, demystify its practice, as well as offer insights into the rich and diverse history of inlay in early America.