Stickley Furniture Company, officially known as L. & J.G. Stickley, is a prestigious American furniture manufacturer with a rich heritage dating back to the early 20th century. The company is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, iconic designs, and commitment to the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement. Stickley’s furniture is celebrated for its durability, timeless appeal, and the use of premium materials.
Key Features of Stickley Furniture:
-Arts and Crafts Movement: Stickley is most famous for its role in the American Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasizes simplicity, honesty in construction, and the beauty of natural materials. The company’s Mission Collection, inspired by this movement, is one of its most iconic and enduring lines.
-Craftsmanship: Stickley furniture is handcrafted, with a strong emphasis on quality and durability. The company uses traditional joinery techniques such as mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joints, which contribute to the longevity and strength of its pieces. Each piece of furniture is carefully constructed by skilled artisans, ensuring it meets Stickley’s high standards.
-High-Quality Materials: Stickley is known for its use of premium materials, including solid woods like oak, cherry, and walnut. The company is also committed to sustainable practices, sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests.
-Timeless Design: While Stickley’s roots are in the Arts and Crafts movement, its product lines also include a variety of other styles, including traditional, contemporary, and transitional designs. The furniture is designed to be both beautiful and functional, with an emphasis on enduring style rather than fleeting trends.
-Mission Collection: The Mission Collection, introduced in the early 1900s, is Stickley’s most famous line and remains a cornerstone of the company’s offerings. This collection features clean lines, solid construction, and an emphasis on the natural beauty of the wood, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of the Arts and Crafts style.
-Custom Options: Stickley offers a range of customization options, allowing customers to choose from different finishes, fabrics, and configurations. This flexibility enables clients to create pieces that fit their specific needs and tastes.
-American Made: Stickley furniture is proudly made in the USA, with manufacturing facilities in New York and North Carolina. The company’s commitment to American craftsmanship is a key part of its identity.
Reputation
Stickley Furniture is revered for its dedication to craftsmanship and its adherence to the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement. It is often considered a benchmark for quality in the furniture industry. Collectors and enthusiasts prize Stickley pieces, not only for their beauty and functionality but also for their historical significance and investment value. The company’s furniture is sold in fine furniture stores across the United States and internationally, and it remains a top choice for those seeking heirloom-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
Stickley History
The history of Stickley Furniture Company, officially known as L. & J.G. Stickley, is a fascinating journey that reflects the evolution of American furniture design and manufacturing. The company is deeply rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement and has played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic and craftsmanship standards of furniture in the United States.
Early Beginnings (1900-1904)
-1900: Stickley Furniture was founded by brothers Leopold (Lee) and John George (J.G.) Stickley in Fayetteville, New York. The Stickley brothers were part of a family of furniture makers, and they had a vision to create high-quality, handcrafted furniture that would stand the test of time.
-1902: Gustav Stickley, another brother, had already established his own company, United Crafts, and was a leading figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement. Inspired by the same principles, Leopold and J.G. began producing their own line of furniture that emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the beauty of natural materials. The company initially focused on traditional furniture styles but soon embraced the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The Mission Oak Collection and the Arts and Crafts Movement (1905-1919)
-1905: Leopold and J.G. Stickley introduced the Mission Oak Collection, which became one of the most iconic and enduring lines in American furniture history. This collection was characterized by its clean lines, solid construction, and the use of quarter-sawn white oak, which highlighted the natural beauty of the wood grain. The Mission style quickly gained popularity for its simple, honest design and durable craftsmanship.
-1907: The company expanded its operations and moved to a larger facility in Manlius, New York. The Stickley brothers' dedication to quality and craftsmanship led to widespread acclaim, and their furniture was sold in fine stores across the country.
Challenges and Perseverance (1920-1974)
-1920s: The popularity of the Mission style began to wane as consumer tastes shifted toward more ornate and mass-produced furniture. This shift in demand posed challenges for Stickley Furniture, which had built its reputation on the simplicity and durability of the Arts and Crafts style.
-1922: Gustav Stickley’s company, which had been a major influence on American furniture design, went bankrupt. Despite this setback, Leopold and J.G. Stickley continued to operate their business, though they faced significant financial difficulties in the following years.
-1957: After the deaths of Leopold (in 1957) and J.G. (in 1921), the company struggled to maintain its market presence. By the 1970s, Stickley Furniture was on the brink of closure.
Revival and Expansion (1974-Present)
-1974: The revival of Stickley Furniture began when Alfred and Aminy Audi, a young couple with a passion for craftsmanship and the Arts and Crafts movement, purchased the company. The Audis were determined to restore Stickley to its former glory. They revitalized the business by reintroducing the classic Mission Oak Collection and expanding the product lines to include a variety of styles, while still maintaining the core values of quality and craftsmanship.
-1989: The introduction of the Cherry Valley Collection marked a significant expansion for Stickley, appealing to customers who preferred traditional, elegant furniture made from cherry wood. This move helped the company reach a broader audience while staying true to its commitment to fine craftsmanship.
-1990s-2000s: Stickley Furniture continued to grow under the Audi family's leadership, opening additional manufacturing facilities in New York and North Carolina. The company also expanded its retail presence, opening Stickley-owned showrooms across the United States.
-2016: After Alfred Audi’s passing in 2007, Aminy Audi continued to lead the company, ensuring that Stickley remained true to its roots while embracing new opportunities for growth. Under her leadership, Stickley has maintained its reputation as a premier manufacturer of high-quality, American-made furniture.
Present
-Today, Stickley Furniture is a symbol of American craftsmanship and enduring design. The company remains a family-owned business, with the Audi family continuing to uphold the principles of quality, integrity, and sustainability that have defined Stickley for over a century. Stickley’s furniture is sold in fine stores and showrooms across the United States and internationally, and it is highly regarded by collectors, interior designers, and homeowners alike.
Stickley’s commitment to excellence has made it a lasting legacy in the furniture industry, and its pieces are often considered heirlooms, passed down through generations as cherished works of art and craftsmanship. Good's Home Furnishings is proud to operate a Stickley Showroom in Hickory NC at the Hickory Furniture Mart and a Stickley Gallery at Good's in Pineville NC (Near Charlotte NC).