An object on loan to us may spend months or even years on view.  But eventually all good things must come to an end.  These objects in time may leave the museum and return to their owners where they will be cherished and enjoyed in a different setting.  Such is the case with the hexagonal library table, a Stickley piece – similar in design to the table originally in the home – that has been on view in the living room of the Log House for the past few years.

We were fortunate to have the table for as long as we did, but soon enough it will be on its way back to Bill and Patsy Porter.  But not to worry.  Thanks to the generosity of Stephen Gray, a “new” hex table has already taken its place.

Wednesday afternoon this newly loaned hexagonal library table arrived at the Farms after a long journey.   Ensuring the safety of an object during travel is always the top priority in these circumstances.  An object in transit can face any number of unpredictable mishaps.  So, to best avoid any bumps and bruises along the way, the table had been generously cushioned with moving blankets, secured in place, and of course, handled with great care.  Upon arrival, handlers carefully unloaded the table onto the porch of the Log House where it was unpacked and examined for damage by the chair of the museum’s collections committee.  Finding none, the table was situated in the living room and interpreted to reflect the documented appearance of the space in 1911.  Fortunately, our precious cargo had been carefully transported and arrived unscathed!

With almost identical dimensions to the previous table, this is an early, rare Stickley hexagonal oak library table from 1901, withthe original leather top.  It was featured in the noted Wadsworth Athenium exhibition, At Home With Gustav Stickley: Arts & Crafts From the Stephen Gray Collection. The exhibition ran from October 11, 2008 to January 4, 2009. The table is illustrated in the exhibition catalog on page 53 and can also be seen behind Mr. Gray in a photo on page 10.

The new hex table is now on view in the Living Room of theLog House.  The previous table has been temporarily relocated to the dining room until its departure from the Farms at the end of the month, offering visitors the rare opportunity to personally compare the construction and design of the two tables.

Library Table #410, c. 1901
Oak, leather
Gustav Stickley
Eastwood NY
30” x 48”

Can you Spot the Differences? is a post from The Stickley Museum At Craftsman Farms

Saturday, November 1, beginning at noon at The Russell at Wadsworth Atheneum

Our upcoming Farms Afield excursion on Saturday, November 1, offers participants an exciting opportunity to join Stephen Gray for a tour of the exhibition At Home with Gustav Stickley: Arts and Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut.

Gray, a passionate collector of Arts and Crafts works since the 1970s, has assembled a collection that includes rare early pieces by Stickley, pottery by such makers as Overbeck, Walrath, and Newcomb College, metalwork, and works on paper reflecting the aesthetic advocated in The Craftsman magazines and other period publications. Representing the very best Arts and Crafts design and craftsmanship in wood, metal, and clay, the exceptional objects from Gray’s collection on display in At Home with Gustav Stickley, beautifully exemplify a collection that is itself “a conscious work of art.”

The Farms Afield Excursion begins with a delicious lunch at the Atheneum’s café, The Russell. Following lunch, Mr. Gray will lead the group on an exclusive tour of the exhibition. Participants will meet at the Atheneum at 12 noon. Transportation is not provided; however carpooling may be arranged for interested participants. Fees, $35 for Members and $45 for Nonmembers), include lunch and admission to the Atheneum.

$35 for Members and $45 for Non Members

Advance registration is required. Call 973-540-0311 to register.

Farms Afield is a post from The Stickley Museum At Craftsman Farms