Tools and techniques

Hot plates for the preparation of rabbit skin glue

The tools Mr Guerin employs are typical of those of carpenters, cabinet makers and woodworkers in general but a large percentage of the work he does consists of markuetry which requires some special tools and processes.

Pot used for preparing glue

One of the most important processes that he follows is that of "reversibility", the glue he most often uses is made from rabbit skin and allows, with heat, the glue to become unstuck. Mr. Guerin also uses fish glue which is also comprimised of uniquely natural ingredients. Until around 1950 all furniture was glued in this way but today synthetic glue is often used which makes restoration very difficult.Rabbit skin glue has been used for hundreds of years and has been used by painters for preparing canvas and by picture framers for preparing picture frames.This glue constitutes the building blocks of quality furniture and allows each piece an "inner life".

hot glue ready for use 

glue plates before heating

"gomme laque" varnish particules

various thinly sliced European woods

Various materials used for marquetery

turtle shell (today protected)

stained Rosewood

bottled french varnish