Gustav Stickley was one of the principal figures in the American Arts and Crafts movement and the creator of the Craftsman style. In 1883, Stickley established a furniture company called Stickley Brothers with two of his brothers, Albert and Charles. Gustav’s other siblings, Leopold and John George, would later form L & J.G. Stickley Inc. in Fayetteville, New York, in 1905.
As a furniture designer and publisher of the magazine The Craftsman, Gustav adopted many of the ideals of the British design reform movement and popularized both its philosophy and its aesthetics in the United States.
Born in Wisconsin, Stickley moved with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a teenager and began working in his uncle’s chair factory in the town of Brandt. There, he learned the techniques of late-19th-century furniture making at a time when the vogue was for Victorian revival furniture, which was characterized by extensive ornamentation.
When Stickley Brothers foundered, Gustav partnered five years later with salesman Elgin Simonds to form a new firm, Stickley & Simonds, which produced traditional furniture that appealed to the burgeoning American middle class. The success of this venture enabled Stickley to travel to Europe, where he discovered the writings of John Ruskin and William Morris, the two preeminent thinkers of the British Arts and Crafts movement. Stickley also traveled to France, where the Art Nouveau movement impressed him with its imaginative designs and skilled craftsmanship.
Stickley parted ways with Simonds at the turn of the 20th century and decided to focus his creative energies on producing furniture in what became known as the Craftsman style, incorporating some of the elements of the designs and movements he had encountered in Europe.
The pieces Stickley created, which he stamped with the logo of a joiner’s compass, were rectilinear, largely free of ornament, made of oak, and built in such a way that the nature of their construction was plainly visible — all reflections of the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement. While some people referred to Stickley’s furniture as Mission furniture — a term that references the furnishings of the Spanish missions in California — Gustav commonly called his work “Craftsman” owing to the inspiration he found in the British Arts and Crafts movement.
Stickley benches and rocking chairs were popular, and his leather-upholstered armchairs combine practicality, comfort and an understated silhouette. In 1901, Stickley launched The Craftsman magazine, which contained articles on all manner of domestic topics, from gardening and cooking to art and design, as well as poetry and fiction. In addition to popularizing Stickely’s own designs, the magazine acquainted Americans with the Arts and Crafts style in all its forms through its graphic design and the bungalows, art pottery, and hammered-copper lamps pictured in its pages. When Gustav Stickley died, in 1942, Arts and Crafts had been replaced by modernism as the favored aesthetic.
The work of L & J.G. Stickley flourished even as the Arts and Crafts style fell out of fashion because Leopold and John George adapted to the changing times.
L & J.G. Stickley changed their brand name and maker’s mark to Handcraft in 1906, and rather than continue to produce Arts & Crafts-inspired designs, their bedroom furnishings, dining room chairs and other items of the era reflected the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School style as well as the work of the Wiener Werkstätte. Later, Leopold’s Cherry Valley collection appealed to enthusiasts of American Colonial furniture.
Find antique L & J.G. Stickley tables, seating, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Newly Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware. Measure...
Copper
Antique L. & J.G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Newly Restored
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak writing desk, library table, or center table. By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 40" W x 26" D ...
Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1910
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware. Measur...
Copper
Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Writing Desk, 1960
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous American Colonial style writing desk or entry table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1960 Solid cherry wood, with turned legs and original brass hardware. Measures: ...
Brass
Antique L. & J.G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Circa 1900
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Measures: 48"...
Copper
Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Copper
L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Newly Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak drop front secretary desk with built-in bookcases By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Measures: ...
Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Georgian Cherry Wood Bureau Secretary Desk & Bookcase Hutch
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 38"W x 19.5"D x...
Brass
Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Copper
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Spindle Writing Desk or Library Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts spindle writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper ha...
Copper
Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardwa...
Copper
Mission Oak Desk by Stickley Arts & Crafts Spindle Office Library Writing Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous, noteworthy and rare Mission Oak desk in wonderful condition. Made by highly esteemed and much sought-after Arts & Crafts specialists L. & J.G. Stickley in America in 1993, this strikingly attractive and highly practical desk will add gorgeous golden-oak colouring, timeless quality, traditional charm and bygone craftsmanship to any interior. Reassuringly heavy and a great size for a desk, this special piece is traditionally handcrafted from solid Quarter-Sawn or ‘Tiger’ oak, ensuring ultimate strength and durability as well as the gorgeous, rich tones and sensational golden ‘Tiger’ stripes of the quarter-sawn oak grain. Particularly rare, this desk features the much sought-after ‘Spindle’ sides, which really sets it apart as an enviably attractive and wonderfully traditional piece of furniture design. All solid oak and traditionally handcrafted with mortise and tenon pegged joints, this superb desk has a large planked top overhanging robust squared legs with inset sides and stretchers, between which the stunning squared spindles proudly stand. There are two large, dovetail-jointed drawers with robust and traditional hammered-copper handles. The Stickley family have been leaders of Arts & Crafts and Mission Oak furniture...
Copper
Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1912 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Meas...
Copper
Antique L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Copper
Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Copper
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.75 in W 13 in D 13 in
Antique Stickley School Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Plant Stand c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Stickley School Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Plant Stand Unsigned C1920 Measures - 35 3/4" x 13" x 13" An example of the Arts & Crafts movement, this antique plant stand is cr...
Oak
$3,950
H 30.5 in W 54 in D 32 in
Antique Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Two Drawer Library Table Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Two Drawer Library Table Desk. ...
Oak
$2,200
H 30 in W 38 in D 25 in
Antique Craftsman Oval in Tiger Oak Library Desk, Entry or Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An impressive sculptural desk made in America circa 1910s. This desk features solid oak construction and is in restored condition.
Wood, Oak
Detail Nordic teak writing desk, 1960s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Detail Nordic teak writing desk, 1960s. Extraordinary Original 1960s Nordic design desk in right-sized teak wood. Its peculiarity is the positioning of the rear legs, which are not ...
Teak
Stickley Mission Arts and Crafts Oak Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Stickley desk, originally designed in the 1910s by Gustav Stickley, this example is part of the authorized line produced by Stickley in the 2...
Metal
Arts and Crafts architect's table, 1900
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Oak plan table, Arts and Crafts 1900. Also known as an architect's table or library table, it features a large top and two large compartments for storing binders and plans. Its 90 cm...
Oak
$1,650
H 20.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Roycroft Oak Tabouret End Table Arts Crafts Mission Style Stickley circa 1990s
By Gustav Stickley, Roycroft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Roycroft Tabouret Table, designed circa 1910s, this example is circa 1990s and made by Stickley. It is signed with the Roycroft brand on the side and the Stickley label un...
Wood, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sleek writing desk featuring a dual-panel tabletop with a crisp white finish and red trim. This piece offers a minimalist aesthetic perfect for any contemporary space. The sturdy met...
Metal
Studio Craft Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A nicely crafted studio desk with pencil drawer. Signed by the artist.
Wood
Antique Heywood-Wakefield Style Mission Oak & Wicker Writing Desk
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This antique desk from the early 20th century Mission movement features a well-kept solid oak top, wicker storage baskets, and a sizable drawer for ample storage. The wicker-wrapped ...
Wicker, Wood, Oak
Cushman Colonial Creations Writing Desk
By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Rare diminutive writing desk by the H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company circa 1930's. The desk features a sculptural overing hanging top, over one large pull out drawer with trapezoid...
Wood
$3,295
H 29.25 in Dm 42 in
Arts & Crafts Mission Oak L&JG Stickley Center Lamp Table C1912 Mortise & Tenon
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous arts & crafts period lamp or center table out of quarter sawn oak by L & JG Stickley c1912. Mortise & tenon construction with all pinned joints and a splinned top. X stretch...
Oak
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Executive Desk
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Measures: 53.75"...
Copper
Sold
H 30 in W 48.13 in D 24.13 in
L. & J. G. Stickley Georgian Solid Cherry Wood Double Pedestal Kneehole Desk
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style double pedestal kneehole desk By L. & J. G. Stickley USA, 1955 Solid carved cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 48.13"W ...
Brass
Antique L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Library Writing Table Desk 1902
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American Mission oak library table or desk L & J.G. Stickley, circa 1902. The table is made of solid quarter sawn oak, the table with an overhanging top and a single drawer b...
Bronze
Sold
H 28.75 in W 71.75 in D 44.5 in
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Dining Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts solid quarter sawn oak trestle dining table, library table, or writing desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 71.75"W x 44.5"...
Oak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 48 in D 30 in
Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Meas...
Copper
Sold
H 30.13 in W 62 in D 36.13 in
Stickley Mission Arts & Crafts Cherry Wood Trestle Dining Table or Library Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts solid cherry wood trestle dining table, library table, or writing desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 2008 Measures: 62"W x 36.13"D x 30.13"H. ...
Cherry
Sold
H 45 in W 39.5 in D 18 in
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak slant front writing desk or secretary desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 39.5"W x 18"D x 45"H. Goo...
Oak
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Executive Desk, Newly Refinished
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts style executive desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware Measures: 72...
Copper
Sold
H 29.25 in W 36 in D 24 in
Antique L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing or Library Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Copper
Sold
H 34.63 in W 34 in D 20 in
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Server or Writing Desk
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak sideboard buffet server or writing desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa ...
Oak
Sold
H 43 in W 42 in D 17 in
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak slant front writing desk or secretary desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 42"W x 17"D x 43"H. Writing surface...
Copper
Sold
H 29.25 in W 48 in D 30 in
Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Copper