Why Stickley = Substance
In today’s disposable age where everything is replaceable, there’s something to be said for substance. In home furnishings, substance comes in the form of Stickley. Each hand-crafted piece of Stickley furniture has a story—and thanks to its exceptional quality—a future.
You’ve probably heard of Stickley, admired an heirloom, or are lucky enough to own your own. Each piece is crafted of hardwood by skilled artisans and offers a unique combination of classic design, superior construction, and historical relevance. These unique, handmade furnishings are meticulously crafted in the USA, and have been for more than 100 years.
The Stickley story begins with five brothers and one passion. Gustav, Albert, Charles, Leopold and John George Stickley began making furniture at their uncle’s factory in Brandt, Pa. around 1877. The Stickley brothers operated under an old Flemish phrase that became their motto: Als Ik Kan, which means “to the best of my ability.” Gustav Stickley marked his product with the phrase to assure customers that Stickley furniture was of the finest quality, and that every piece was made with honor, integrity, and pride.
Over the years Stickley became known for its Mission Oak designs as they established a reputation for “honest” furniture—in contrast to the fake joinery, gaudiness, and shoddy workmanship of many of the pieces created in the early days of industrial furniture making. The Stickleys used solid construction, what-you-see-is-what-you-get joinery, and the highest quality woods. Great emphasis was placed on letting the gorgeous, organic forms of quartersawn oak and other woods speak for themselves.
But more than craftsmanship, the Stickleys showed a genius for design. They created hundreds of new forms that were beautiful and practical, exceedingly strong and long-lasting—perfect for the ways American families live.
Eventually the Stickley brothers passed away and respect for handcraftsmanship ebbed. In 1974, with the fate of the L. & J.G. Stickley company uncertain, the Audi family rescued the company. At his Manhattan showroom, E.J. Audi had for years been the leading seller of Stickley’s furniture. His son Alfred, and Alfred’s wife Aminy, were unwilling to let Stickley become a relic of the past, and decided to purchase the Stickley factory when Leopold’s widow was on the brink of closing it. Together Alfred’s and Aminy rejuvenated the company. Alfred passed away in the fall of 2007, but the Stickley legacy is continued today by his wife Aminy and son Edward.
It’s easy to see why every piece of Stickley furniture offers more than just beauty and substance—it offers a rich history and enduring tradition. Stickley produces America’s premium hardwood furniture delivered with an unmatched level of craftsmanship and excellence.
We carry Stickley furnishings in a variety of classic styles, including the Traditional, Metropolitan, 21st Century, Fine Upholstery, Craftsman Leather and ever-popular Mission collections. So visit one of our showrooms to find your favorite look and experience your own piece of history.
All the best,
Sheffield Furniture & Interiors