Harvey Ellis

Private Collection, St. Louis, MO, ca. 1903
Thence by descent
Ivey-Selkirk, St. Louis, MO, May 17, 2008, lot 69

Ray Stubblebine, Stickley's Craftsman Homes, Layton, UT, 2006, pp. 26 and 88 (for the model in the collection of Crabtree Farms)

Overall in very good condition. The wood surfaces throughout appear to retain their original finish, and have been sensitively waxed. All of the inlay is intact and appears to be original and undisturbed, with the exception of two small replaced circular rings of pewter inlay around the drawer knobs (when facing the desk located around the two lower right desk drawer knobs). This conservation was skillfully executed and is not apparent. The wood surfaces throughout show very gentle wear, some light surface scratches and abrasions, and a few small edge losses (primarily reserved to the feet) consistent with age and gentle use. There is a slightly larger old edge abrasion (approximately 1 x 1/4 inch) to the rear edge of the desk's proper left rear leg. The desk top with some transparent dark staining (presumably at the periphery of a blotter), some small scattered ink stains, and a faint transparent ring mark; the gallery top with some scattered areas of minor staining and a very small ring mark. There are a few old ink stains to the interior desk gallery. There are two small areas on the bottom stretcher that appear to be transparent shiny surface drips. There is some minor separation to the planking on the desk top, as well as a small old stress fracture which appears entirely stable in the proper right rear corner of the desk top (inherent in the natural expansion and contraction of the oak over time). Two of the large wood oval inlays on the legs have a few small and minor very tight stress fractures. An exceptional example of this iconic and rare model, displaying particularly rich color and exquisite inlay. The desk presents beautifully in person, and the color of the oak is richer with greater subtleties to the graining than seen in the catalogue illustration (which is slightly too dense and orange).
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In the spring of 1903, Gustav Stickley hired a talented architect by the name of Harvey Ellis to execute designs for his Craftsman Workshops.  Ellis designed a unique line of furniture distinguished by lighter, sophisticated lines and inlaid decoration articulated in copper, pewter and contrasting woods.  In January 1904, Elllis' inlaid furniture was the subject of an article entitled "Structure and Ornament in the Craftsman Workshops" in Stickley's magazine, The Craftsman.  Although Ellis died in January 1904, only seven months after joining Stickley, his new designs left an enduring legacy on Stickley's repertoire, which evolved to incorporate lighter structural forms.  The iconic desk offered here, along with the rocking chair and "shoe foot" armchair offered in the following two lots, exemplify the harmony and refinement emblematic in Ellis' limited oeuvre.