Gustav Stickley...Father of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

There was once a Stickley brothers factory shop here in my home town of Grand Rapids, MI. Grand Rapids was once the furniture capital. Because of that there are a lot of nice Stickley pieces around at garage sales, thrift shops ext ext. I have run into them often. I like reading the history of this stuff. Thanks for sharing.

-- Dan - "Collector of Hand Planes"

That was nice…

I have all of the books about him & close friends…

I’d like to make a Morris Chair someday…

My problem: Not having room to put it… and the $$ to buy the good wood required.

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

Thanks for the history lesson. I enjoyed that.

-- Emmett, from Georgia

Dan…
Thanks for adding to the story. The Stickley brothers factory shop in Grand Rapids could be an interesting story in and of itself. There must have been some very talented woodworkers in the furniture capital at that time. I’d love to be able to run across Stickley furniture at garage sales and thrift shops as you have. The history is indeed interesting. Great stuff. Thanks again for your imput and personal experiences.

Joe…

Thanks…There’s a real beauty to the Morris chair. Like you if I were to build one I would have to move something out of the way to make room for it. Then if the Morris chair was built it would be time to add the next piece as well.

woody57…

You’re welcome. It’s amazing when you come to learn that Gustav retired at 58. Yet, the love for the Arts and Crafts movement continues in a very widespread and strong way..

-- Bob Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, http://TheApprenticeandTheJourneyman.com

I especially enjoyed the piece on the factory titled “The Stickley Story.” Great appreciation for the craftsmanship.

-- Beth, Oklahoma, Rambling Road Designs

Beth…
Thanks for taking a look. It’s a great story. Stickley’s influence of the Arts and Crafts movement is amazing strong today…many years afterwards. Great craftsmanship always seems to stand the test of time.

-- Bob Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, http://TheApprenticeandTheJourneyman.com