Gustav Stickley

executed by the Craftsman Workshops of Gustav Stickley, Eastwood, NY

Private Collection, New York, circa 1902
Thence by descent
Acquired from the above by Robert Kaplan, New York, circa 1997
Cathers & Dembrosky, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1998

Stephen Gray and Robert Edwards, eds., The Collected Works of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1981, pp. 25 and 30
Stephen Gray, The Early Works of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1981, pp. 51 and 75
A. Patricia Bartinique, Gustav Stickley, His Craft: A Daily Vision and a Dream, Parsippany, NJ, 1992, p. 40
David M. Cathers, Gustav Stickley, London, 2003, p. 51
Linda H. Roth and Elizabeth Mankin Kornhauser, eds., At Home with Gustav Stickley:  American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, London, 2008, p. 50

Overall in very good original condition. The stool retains its original leather, which displays a beautiful aged patina and has been sensitively stabilized. The leather with fine craquelure to the surfaces throughout, and with some scattered old separations to the leather, all which have been stabilized and do not visually detract from the aesthetic presentation of the stool. The leather with edge wear, and the top with three small circular transparent dark stains and some minor discolorations. All of the brass upholstery tacks appear to be original and undisturbed, showing gentle rubbing and a few with minor paint marks. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original finish, with some occasional light surface scratches, abrasions and edge wear consistent with age and gentle use. With some minor age cracks to the leg posts, and one very minor seam separation to the junction of one of the stretchers and legs, all stable and consistent with the natural expansion and contraction of wood over time. With replaced webbing and black cloth under-seat cover, the latter with some tears. A superb example of this rare model, representing one of only two Eastwood stools known to retain its original leather. This stool also displays slightly taller proportions to the production model, which makes its scale appear more bold and impactful. A rare opportunity to acquire such an exceedingly rare object.
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.

The present lot represents a rare large-scale variant of Stickley’s iconic “Eastwood" stool.  This stool was part of a larger commission of early, defining Stickley forms that were acquired from descendants of the original owners.  Originally one of a pair, the larger proportions of the piece truly sets it apart from Stickley's production models.  The stool offered here is one of only two "Eastwood" stools presently known to retain their original leather upholstery.  This offering is the very first appearance of an “Eastwood” stool with original leather to emerge on the auction market, further highlighting its rarity and importance as an exemplar of American Arts and Crafts furniture.