Marquetry is a very ancient art dated as far as the Egyptians. It has been through many changes and evolutions through the ages.  The first method developed used a knife to cut cavities in solid material, filling them with contrasting materials.  This method is called "tarsia certsonia."

During the Italian Renaissance, new methods of cutting materials were developed with the invention of the fret saw blade.  By cutting several layers of materials simultaneously, it was possible to inlay one into the other and visa versa.  This method is "tarsia a incastro," renamed by the French as the Boulle method.

During the 17th century, this art spread through Europe and the French mastered it better thatn any other country. They invented new methods, technology and tools to create some of the most fabulous example of this art. Those techniques are still taught today at école Boulle in Paris, and are the ones we teach also at the American School of French Marquetry.

During the past decade Patrick Edwards worked very hard to create the same environment for the practice of French marquetry techniques in his school as what he and his partner, Patrice Lejeune, enjoyed at école Boulle, in Paris. In particular, between 1995 and 2000 Patrick Edwards was accredited by ecole Boulle to receive students for independent study. Each of the student interns Patrick received from ecole Boulle has contributed to making ASFM a reality. When Dr. Ramond retired from his position at ecole Boulle in 2000, he encouraged Patrick Edwards to make his methods available to new students by starting The American School of French Marquetry in San Diego.

ASFM is located in the heart of San Diego, California, on the northeast corner of Balboa Park, within walking distance of the San Diego Zoo. The school "atelier" is designed to reflect the working environment of the "atelier" at école Boulle, and uses the same designs, materials, tools and methods.