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| About Mission Furniture |
About Mission Furniture
The Arts and Crafts furniture movement began at the end of the nineteenth-century as a reaction to the shoddy and, as some described, false ornamentation of societies manufactured goods.
Nineteenth-century English society and the Victorian and Rococo styles provided a fertile ground for what historians describe as a crusade for the return to craft ideals once practiced in medieval England. The Mission Style of furniture was a reaction to the ills of the industrialized world and the disconnection of function and appearance . The manufacturing of hand made crafted furniture was a reaction to mass produced factory goods of the nineteenth century.
In the 1890's, this movement spread across the ocean to North America and skilled craftaman began to produce some of the most beautiful simple and quality made mission style furniture . This mission style furniture and adaptations of this style are by function simple and practical.
This straightforward furniture is devoid of ornamentation and made of solid hardwoods. Skilled craftsman use construction techniques to produce a style of furniture which seems be timeless in its nature and use.
Here are some Questions and Answers that may help concerning this style of furniture.
What is Mission style furniture ?
Mission style furniture is typically made from solid oak and created in a simple design with rectangular lines and very little ornamentation. It was originally popular in the early 20th century.
What qualities should I look for when buying Mission Style Furniture?
When buying Mission Style Furniture, the buyer should look for authenticity of the piece, quality of workmanship, and reputation of seller/builder.
How do I recognize good quality in Mission Style Furniture?
Regardless of price point, good quality Mission Style Furniture is made from Native American red or white oak with exposed joinery. Authentic Mission Furniture also has upholstery made of natural materials like canvas and leather.
What is typical of quality workmanship in Mission Style Furniture?
With Mission Style Furniture being available in every price point from high end to do-it-yourself kits, it is important that you can recognize high quality when you see it. Look for hand made versus machine made items. They should not be made of pine, plywood or veneer. These items should only be stained. Painted mission style furniture should be avoided, as the quality is usually questionable.
Why is the reputation of the seller or builder important when buying Mission Style Furniture?
The reputation of the furniture builder and dealer are very important because this kind of furniture is an investment. You may need to have imperfections and defects fixed or replaced. You may even decide to add to your collection. In these cases, it is important that you are able to contact the person from whom you purchased your furniture.
What can I expect to pay for Mission Style Furniture?
L. & J.G. Stickley, brothers of Gustav Stickly, introduced their first furniture line at a 1905 trade show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Called simple furniture built along mission lines, the vision was to provide furniture at all price points. Currently however, lower prices will mean lower quality. Expect small tables to start around $300.00 and full office, bedroom, and dining suites to cost as much as six to ten thousand dollars.
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