Stickley Style: Arts and Crafts Homes in the Craftsman Tradition

by David M. Cathers

Beginning in the very first year of the twentieth century, Gustav Stickley made furniture that is prized almost a hundred years later for its honesty, simplicity, and usefulness. As a designer and manufacturer who emphasized careful workmanship, respect for natural materials, and simple lines, Stickley had a profound impact on the look of American homes. Today, Arts and Crafts design -- synonymous with Stickley to many people -- has become an American passion. Elegantly designed and lushly photographed, Stickley Style is the first major publication to explore in full photographic color the central role Stickley played in the development of Arts and Crafts design. Author David Cathers invites us into the world of this influential furniture maker and provides us with an insider's tour of some of the country's most important Stickley collections and interiors. Here, imbued with pure and simple lines, are the comfortable Morris chairs, the upright settles, the solid oak chests, the hammered metalwork, and the delicate textiles that have come to epitomize Stickley's style. But Stickley was more than a furniture maker -- he was a one-man book and magazine publisher, proponent of a simple and natural lifestyle, and de facto leader of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Calling the composite of his ideas and activities "the craftsmanship of life," he used the word Craftsman to refer to his houses, his furniture, and his magazine. Stickley Style captures the excitement and revolutionary zeal of these ideas and this era, a time when Victorian fussiness was being abandoned in the search for a modern way to live. The book opens with a vivid description of the Craftsman idea and describes Stickley's vision of ways to make a house conducive to a life of beauty and contentment. Cathers then goes on to show us the collections in a series of stunning Arts and Crafts homes, including Stickley's own family home in New Jersey. Finally, for those who want to furnish their own homes with appropriate reproductions, an extensive catalogue presents everything from Stickley tables and sideboards to tall case clocks and metal door latches. Throughout, specially commissioned photographs by Alexander Vertikoff show the overall harmony that will make the Stickley style as much a favorite for the new century as it was for the last.

Genres: Architecture, Art, Design, Reference, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 1999

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to the photos, I was thankful to the authors for including a history of the Arts and Crafts movement, and how it came about. After looking at thousands of designs, house plans, and methods of construction, finally I came across a text that explains the designer in his time (I'm sure there's more out there of this nature, I just haven't come across it yet). Anyway, I feel like I can spot a Stickley piece of furniture should I ever encounter one. I skipped the second half of the book about those who are collectors and keepers of pieces from this movement. It wasn't quite a design book, but it did highlight pieces that people have acquired over the years.

I would recommend this for understanding the design before setting out to create a room or space in the Arts and Crafts movement.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book. A little short on history but the photography more than makes up for it.

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some info on Stickley's life, business, & creative journey. But most importantly, lots of full-page color photographs of home interiors, exteriors, and furniture.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful! This style really feels like the Midwest and home to me.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book filled with beautiful pictures of beautiful furniture. It is a treasure for those of us who love Arts & Crafts homes and furnishing.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First rate, and not just about Stickley. There is a nice history of the arts and crafts style. Of course, the bulk of the book is about Stickley. Sumptuous illustrations. If, like me, you would happily have nothing but this superlative craftsman's works around the house, and if, like me, a picture book is as close as you are likely to come this side of heaven, this is a required purchase.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

library

[Suzan Poisner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Stickley reference guide.