Circa 1917: Rediscovering Craftsman Farms

Screen (no. 84)

Gustav Stickley, The Craftsman, Inc.

1913-15 (ca.)

66 x 66 inches

Oak, oak veneer, iron hardware

2021.17

Partial gift of the Leeds Art Foundation, with additional funding from Barbara Nitchie Fuldner, Ted Lytwyn, Thomas Bird, and Drs. Cynthia and Timothy McGinn.

Little is known of Stickley's later productions, and this screen remains somewhat of an enigma. Differing from the example photographed for the 1913 catalog, it features heavier, more substantial rails along the top. This detail is consonant with an example that sold at Craftsman Auctions in May 2005, but that screen had three–not four–chamfered oak boards in each panel. The order and significance of these subtle changes is not presently understood.

Presumably, this was used in the first floor of the Log House, though the 1917 inventory is a bit confusing as to where it was located, as both the Living and Dining rooms list "1 Large Wood Paneled Screen." The smaller, heraldic screen photographed at the south end of the dining room is not mentioned, suggesting it was either retained by the family or had outlived its usefulness.