Born in 1942, Kalman Radvanyi Snr is the finest exponent of the ancient art of marquetry in the world today . Single-handedly, he revolutionised the ancient art of marquetry into one of the finest and intriguing art forms of the 21st century.

In 1959 as a young man Radvanyi graduated as a cabinetmaker with honors, and began to make fine furniture using traditional European methods. Radvanyi became inspired by magnificence as opposed to craft. He had an idea – to use marquetry to re-create structures of grand beauty. He was, in a sense, painting with wood. This great innovation instantly impressed Radvanyi’s mentors and peers, and in 1964 Radvanyi went on to receive his master craftsman degree again with distinction.

Over the last 45years the sheer beauty and precision in his ‘paintings’ has been recognised worldwide, many being purchased by the following celebrities:

Royal: England – 1992 Queen Elizabeth
Iran –1971 Shah Mohammed Pahlavi

Presidential: Austria-1971 Franc Jonas
Soviet Union – 1970 Leonard Brezsnyev
Hungary 1969 Losonci Pal

Radvanyi won several awards in both Australia and Europe, and it was clear that the genius of Radvanyi was unparalleled. His artworks not only flourished, they reached a state of perfection.

Radvanyi has passed on his mastery to his son, Kalman Jnr, side by side they produce some of the most beautiful works of art ever seen. This father and son team are acclaimed as the finest exponent of marquetry in the world today, successfully working together to re–create this 4000 year old art form for over a decade. Receiving over 30 gold medals in exhibitions from Australia, France, Hungary and the United States, they are also highly acclaimed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in "Washington". A complete portfolio on the Radvanyi saga can be viewed at the Australian National Gallery "Canberra". The father and son team has received several commissions in large public buildings, including Sydney-Bankstown and Canberra hospital.

Learning the Art of Marquetry under his master father and combining this knowledge with his own ideas, Kalman Jnr takes this art work into the a new realm. Kalman Jnr sees himself as a painter "I paint with wood" says the artist. "My works are multi -dimensional portrayals of the environment in which I convey the impression of solidity and volume to my subjects and see the finished picture long before I begin; every type of wood, every shade". A painter has to mix paint to accommodate he’s ideas, whereas in marquetry the appropriate timber has to be found, the perfect grain, the perfect knot, the perfect shade, so that everything accommodates a perfect result.

A Radvanyi piece is strictly hand made, using family traditions allowing them to reach the highest level of marquetry in the world. A Radvanyi artwork takes up to 18 months to perfect, incorporating countless sheets of wood and up to 130 types of natural timbers. Their stock of wood is remarkable, comprising material up to many hundreds of years old, there are more than 130 species, each sorted into anything from 80 to over 100 different grain styles and shades of colour.