Gustav Stickley

Dennis Lucier, Dracut, Massachusetts

Stephen Gray, The Early Work of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1987, p. 63

Overall in very good condition. The oak surfaces appear to retain their original finish, displaying a particularly deep rich russet brown finish throughout. With old edge wear with occasional small edge losses throughout (primarily to the side posts) consistent with age and use. The recessed top surface with some transparent dark staining/discoloration, some old surface scratches and rubbing, and with a few minor and stable stress fractures consistent with age and use. The top gallery with a few very minor and stable seam separations between the side posts and gallery rails. A beautiful example of this rare and early Stickley plant stand model displaying an exceptionally dark and rich original finish.
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.

Stephen Gray (1935-2012) is widely regarded as one of the great pioneering collectors and connoisseurs in the field of American Arts and Crafts.  In 1976, the acquisition of a weekend retreat in Columbia County, New York inspired him to assemble a collection of furnishings that were compatible with the architectural history of the area.  He educated himself by diligently researching the original trade catalogues from the period, many of which he was later responsible for reprinting.  With an emphasis on the earliest production years of Gustav Stickley, Stephen refined his collection over the course of thirty years to represent the very best in furniture, lighting, ceramics, metalwork and woodcut prints.  In 2008, his collection was celebrated in the exhibition, At Home with Gustav Stickley:  American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, at the Wadsworth Atheneum, to whom Stephen gifted a significant portion of his collection.  The majority of works presented in this auction were exhibited in that venue.  In 2011, Stephen received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the annual Grove Park Inn Arts and Crafts Conference.