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Mission Style Furniture History – over 100 years of popular craftsmanship
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Joseph McHugh used the phrase ‘mission style’ to describe his line of linear rustic style furniture that he started producing in earnest in 1895. From this, mission style furniture developed into a popular style around circa 1900. It’s genesis was based on the furniture being made for a church in San Francisco and being reflective of the historic Spanish missions. By the early 1900′s, there were 2 specific craftsmen who had brought this furniture to its current linear style – for example, the mission style recliner. These men, Gustav Stickley and Elbert Hubbard, are the fathers of what is seen today. Joseph Mchugh did win a silver medal at the 1901 Pan-American Exhibition exhibiting his furniture, but Stickley and Hubbard progressed on in a much more prolific way.
In the early twentieth century every home was either furnished in Victorian furniture or mission style furniture, and, potentially, a blend of both. The trend of these furnishings was more then anticipated. Because of this thrust many manufacturers started developing a line of mission style furniture, or were totally committed to this line alone.
Craftsman Workshops of Gustav Stickley were reputed as the leader in quality and design for the era. To date his inspiration is mind-boggling. All of his furniture was man made rather than machine made, created to be practical and basic. He used mostly oak, the joiners were exposed, the upholstery was either leather or canvas, wood could be varnished but never painted, and there was never any unnecessary lines. No nails were used just wooden pegs or pounded copper or iron. Many people will pay in the several thousands to acquire an authentic piece of his workmanship. Among the other craftsman that contributed to the development of this style are L&JG Stickley, Charles Rohlfs, Charles Limbert, The Shop of the Crafters, Stickley Brothers, Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Company, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Greene and Greene. Their contribution and inspiration is still evident today.
Mission style furniture, after over 100 years, is still a very desired style of furniture. It is being produced by the lone craftsman as well as being manufactured by the medium to large national companies. As it’s always been, the craftsmanship of this furniture varies widely. Some can be constructed of solid oak while others are being made of pressboard and laminate. Discovering the quality and price you desire is up to you. The Amish have made a trade of making elevated quality mission style furniture, and there are many Indiana Amish furniture stores today, such as this Shipshewana furniture location.
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