Gustav Stickley was one of the principal figures in the American Arts and Crafts movement and the creator of the Craftsman style. As a furniture designer and publisher of the magazine The Craftsman, he 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.
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.). When Stickley Brothers foundered, he 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. He also made side tables — an unusual example designed during the early 20th century was adorned with an octagonal Grueby Pottery tile in a cool shade of green, which made it an ideal piece for an art pottery collector.
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. It also encouraged readers to practice craft themselves, promoting an early form of the do-it-yourself ethos.
In 1904, Stickley founded the Craftsman Home Builders' Club, which allowed subscribers to his magazine to order architectural plans for the Arts and Crafts–style structures that were featured in its pages; eventually, this became one of its most popular features.
An ill-timed attempt to set up a New York showroom led to Stickley’s filing for bankruptcy in 1915. The outbreak of World War I, waning interest in the Arts and Crafts style, and increased competition all conspired to thwart Stickley's efforts. The Craftsman ceased publication a year later. When he died, in 1942, Arts and Crafts had been replaced by modernism as the favored aesthetic. It enjoyed a resurgence, however, in the 1970s, and Stickley is now regarded as one of the most important American designers in the first half of the 20th century.
Find antique Gustav Stickley tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Antique Gustav Stickley Model 820 One Door China Cabinet - W5547
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Model 820 One Door China Cabinet in very good condition. It has the original finish and all hardware is the original hammered bronze. It is STURDY ...
Bronze
Gustav Stickley “Tom Jones” Oak Drink Stand + Lower Shelf, circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Arts & Crafts drink stand is a strong example of early 20th-century American design and is attributed to Gustav Stickley, corresponding to the celebrated “Tom Jones” model p...
Oak
" LAKESIDE ARTS SHOPS " Magazine Stand - Stickley era - W7931
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This a real good design BOOK/ MAGAZINE design in EXCELLENT condition PERIOD from the early 1900s by The " LAKESIDE CRAFTS SHOP " Wisconsin The cut ...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48.25"W x 29.75"D x 28.25"H. Professio...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission oak Arts & Crafts sewing rocker By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with tan leather seat. Measures: 17.25"W x 24.75"D x 31.25"H. Seat h...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Armchair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period armchair, club chair, or dining captain chair By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Early 20th Century Sol...
Rush, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Professionally res...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Pedestal Dining Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak split pedestal extension dining table By Gustav Stickley (signed with Craftsman paper label, partially covered by re...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six of Mission or Arts & Crafts dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with rush seats. Measures: 17"W x 18"D x 36...
Rush, Oak
Rocking Chair Spindle - Modèle 375
By Gustav Stickley
Located in LAMBLORE, FR
Ce fauteuil à bascule de Gustav Stickley associe une structure en bois aux lignes verticales élancées à des patins courbes, qui apportent mouvement et légèreté à l’ensemble. L’assise...
Leather, Mahogany
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Signed SUPERB Fumed Gustav Stickley Table W7463 SALE 20 % OFF
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great lamp table by Gustav Stickley from the early 1900’s. Made around 1908, and it’s marked with the 1907 stamp. Each leg has true tannin construction which meets in the m...
Oak
circa 1901 GUSTAV STICKLEY Two Drawer with 2 STAR PU Table w7398 - 50% OFF SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
50% OFF SALE 50% OFF SALE 50% OFF SALE This is an RARE and EARLY nice GUSTAV STICKLEY Table with two (2) drawers. The drawers feature a rare Early STAR PULL (as pictured). It was...
Oak
Scarce Gustave Stickley Model 360 Artrs & Crafts Oak Leather Arm Chair c. 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GUSTAVE STICKLEY, MODEL NO. 360 ARMCHAIR United States, circa 1900–1910 36 3/4" H x 21 3/4" D x 28" W x 18 1/2" H to seat A Gustav Stickley model no. 360 armchair in oak with origi...
Brass
Antique American Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Gustav Stickley Postcard Desk 1905
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Portland, OR
All original antique American Gustav Stickley quarter-sawn oak postcard desk, circa 1902. This authentic early Mission desk was designed by Gustav Stickley ( 1858-1942), the vision...
Bronze
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
ANTIQUE Good GUSTAV STICKLEY Table Lamp - BEST of the best W7887
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Good Gustav Stickley Table Lamp SIGNED This is a very important Gustav Stickley table lamp in EXCELLENT condition. Made in the early 1900s, and are in pristine condition. ...
Brass
Massive Mission Oak c. 1920's Sofa Large Bench Sette Loveseat Couch
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Massive tall back and sides Arts & Crafts mission oak bench settee signed Stickley. Even arm early 1900s design.
Oak
Early Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1902
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1902 Measures: 25.75"W x 15"D x 47"H. Desk...
Oak
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
Arts & Crafts Fumed Oak Rocking Chair by Gustave Stickley, no. 311 1/2
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MISSION EBONIZED OAK ROCKING CHAIR NO. 311 1/2 Gustave Stickley ca. 1904-7, red ink maker's mark to the reverse Item # 309VAX24P Described in their 1904 catalogue as being "Craftsma...
Faux Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copp...
Copper
IMPORTANT Antique Desk/Bookcase by Gustav Stickley -W7794 MUST SELL
By Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an extremely important Antique Desk/Bookcase by Gustav Stickley and Harvey Ellis. This is one of the most important pieces made by Gustav Stickley. It was designed in 1902...
Glass, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Side Chair or Dining Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back side chair or dining chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak frame, with brass studded vinyl u...
Oak
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
SIGNED Antique Gustav Stickley 2 door china cabinet Model #814 W5001
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking Antique Gustav Stickley china cabinet or bookcase from the early 1900's in good condition. The cabinet is with origina...
Cut Glass, Oak
$2,608Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful PAIR of 1901 Gustav Stickley large LOUNGE Arm Chairs - W7450
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Beautiful PAIR of EARLY 1901 Gustav Stickley Lounge Arm Chairs - These are some of the nicest early lager Gustav Stickley armchairs we've ever sold with paddle arms. They are larger...
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
Set of Four (4) Antique Gustav Stickley model #306 4 Chairs SET - W7540
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Set of Four (4) Antique Gustav Stickley Chairs - W7540 This is a gook looking antique set of four (4) chairs made by Gustav Stickley circa 1910. The chairs are all in good conditio...
Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
Gustav Stickley Oak Rocking Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. early 1900s. A handsome and quite comfortable Model 323 rocking chair by Gustav Stickley. Features solid oak frame with classic Mission details. Slightly curved high back an...
Leather, Oak
Arts & Crafts Gustav Stickley Lamp / or Side Table
By Charles Limbert, Gustav Stickley
Located in Chicago, IL
Arts & Crafts Mission Gustav Stickley Lamp / or Side Table Model # 645 in the catalog. Original Label on underside. Appears to have been refinished. We...
Wood
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk, vanity, or dressing table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper h...
Copper
Important GUSTAV STICKLEY nice EARLY Dresser IN MINT CONDITION- W7798
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an important circa 1901 Gustav Stickley made circa 1901 in pristine condition. The dresser has through tenon construction all around. It is perhaps the best selection of oak we've seen in the time we've been here. The back of the piece is also in excellent condition, which is unusual. It is STURDY & STRONG and ready for use in your home or office. WE HAVE TWO OTHER Gustav Stickley dressers...
Mirror, Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Morris Lounge Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts open arm reclining Morris lounge chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Oak frame, with leather upholstered seat and back cushio...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Large Charger Plate or Tray
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts hammered copper large charger plate or tray By Gustav Stickley (signed to the underside) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 12"W x 12"D x 1.5"H. V...
Copper
ANTIQUE important Gustav Stickley Wardrobe - W1875 EXTRA OFF
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Gustav Stickley Wardrobe This is one of the cleanest & nicest pieces I’ve seen in the last 50 years. This wardrobe looks like it was made yesterday. It was purchased by a m...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period rocking chair By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with brown leather upholste...
Leather, Oak
Antique Rare Set Of Seven (7) Gustav Stickley Bungalow Chairs circa 1901 - W7218
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Rare Set Of SEVEN Gustav Stickley Bungalow Chairs circa 1900-01 - W7218 This is an extremely rare set of Gustav Stickley chairs from Circa 1901. The set of 7 are all in good ...
Leather
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Gustav Stickley 2 door Bookcase W8376
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking well done bookcase by Gustav Stickley in excellent condition. Fume black finish. The wood is thicker then normal. Each door comes with 8 separate panes of gla...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Sideboard Model #814 with Original Bronze Hardware C1905
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular early (1905) Gustav Stickley mission oak arts & crafts sideboard with the most desirable hardware, bronze strap hinges & door , drawer pulls. All hand hammered e...
Bronze
Early Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley Mission Mahogany Sideboard, Circa 1905
By Harvey Ellis, Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet Designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1905 Mahogany, wit...
Copper
ANTIQUE GUSTAV STICKLEY Double Umbrella Stand with Original Metal Liner - W7999
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an Antique Gustav Stickley Double Umbrella Stand with original metal liner. There is a remnant of the original Stickley paper tag on the...
Tin
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Great Gustav Stickley Bookcase from the early 1900's W8555
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great heavy duty bookcase model 716 SIGNED GUSTAV STICKLEY in the EARLY 1900s.The cabinet comes with REAL keys thru tenon construction in two places on each side (as pi...
Oak
Antique Gustav Stickley Model 911 Dresser with Mirror - W7083
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a SUPERB antique Gustav Stickley Dresser with mirror. Made circa 1915, the dresser is in pristine condition. The dresser has a good or...
Iron
Superb Antique Gustav Stickley Chest of Drawers Signed Model #913 W8550
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking antique Gustav Stickley chest of drawers from the 1900's in pristine condition. We have over half a dozen of this same model for lower prices. This one has ex...
Brass
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period rocking chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with leather upholstered seat. Measures: 19.25"W ...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Harvey Ellis Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Armchairs, Pair
By Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period armchairs or dining captain chairs Designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1905 Quarter sawn...
Upholstery, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Mea...
Copper
Important Rare Gustav Stickley Sideboard (Harvey Ellis Design) Model# 800 W2443
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Important Rare Gustav Stickley Sideboard. This is one of the nicest Sideboards designed by Harvey Ellis for Gustav Stickley! This piece has several instances of true Through Tenon ...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Mission Rocker with New Leather Seat
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Arts & Crafts rocking chair by Gustav Stickley, circa 1910. Quarter sawn oak with a new leather seat and padding. Mortise and tenon construction all pegged joints. Very comf...
Brass
Arts & Crafts Stand with Drawer by Gustav Stickley -early red decal-W7958 SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Arts & Crafts Stand with Drawer by Gustav Stickley - SIGNED! - This is a nice Gustav Stickley Stand with two drawers in good condition. The stand has the original finish. There...
Mahogany
Tallback Spindle Antique Rocker by Gustav Stickley W8599
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a good looking rocker with original finish, all original spindles still straight with no bowing. Comes with original springseat and cotton fill, but has been professionally r...
Leather, Oak
Early Antique Gustav Stickley Magazine Stand circa 1904 - W2903 MUST SELL
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an early Gustav Stickley Magazine Rack in very good condition. This was made in 1904, early in Gustav Stickley's career. It has his Eastwood paper label. Made from mahogany...
Mahogany
Gustav Stickley Adjustable bookrack W8568
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a handcrafted bookrack that adjusts from 12"-20" Beautifully made by the arts and crafts artist Gustav Stickley SIGNED AS PICTURED, The oak wood is in excellent condition and...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Reclining Morris Lounge Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period open arm Morris reclining lounge chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak frame, with leather upholstered...
Leather, Oak
Antique Gustav Stickley Serving Table / Small Side Board - W7535
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a small Antique Sideboard / Serving Table in very good condition. This piece was very desirable when Gustav Stickley made it. It comes with the original finish and great col...
Oak
$47,833
Table Director - Modèle 631
By Gustav Stickley
Located in LAMBLORE, FR
Cette grande table de Gustav Stickley se distingue par sa structure en chêne aux lignes puissantes et épurées. Reposant sur des piètements en tréteaux, elle met en valeur la beauté d...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Armchair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period armchair or dining captain chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak frame, with upholstered seat. ...
Upholstery, Oak
SIGHNED Early Gustav Stickley Rocker( with a Decal ) with Original Leather w2648
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Early Gustav Stickley Rocker (Marked with Decal) with Original Leather This is a great looking Gustav Stickley early rocking chair with...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. Measure...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Extension Dining Table, Newly Restored
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission oak Arts & Crafts extension dining table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48" W x 48" D x 29.63" H. Extends up to 96" W with four ...
Oak
Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY High Back Spindle Dining Chair MUST SELL
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley High Back Spindle Dining Chair from the early 1900s. It is in excellent condition and has a Stickley paper label. signed. THE LOCALL WE SELLING FO...
Leather, Goat Hair, Cotton, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with original copper hardware. Measures:...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Signed Hammered Copper Ashtray or Catchall, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper ashtray or catchall By Gustav Stickley (signed to the underside) USA, Early 20th Century Each measures: 7"W x 7"D x 1"...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Signed Hammered Copper Ashtray or Catchall, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper ashtray or catchall By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Each measures: 7"W x 7"D x 1"H. Good original vintage ...
Copper