L. & J.G. STICKLEY OAK LIBRARY TABLE MODEL NO. 531
Retaining original L. & J.G. Stickley label inside drawer
Fayetteville, New York, circa 1912-17
28 7/8" H × 30 1/4" D × 48" W; 23 1/16" knee clearance height
A good oak library desk in the Arts & Crafts tradition, it retains a remaining fragment of the original label noting "The Work of L. & J.G. Stickley" within the drawer. The desk features a wide, flat top suited for writing or book display, supported by robust, squared legs. A single central drawer provides concealed storage and a lower shelf offers additional utility while stabilizing the legs, the central shelf joined through the side stretchers with tapered wedge tenons.
Curator’s Note
L. & J.G. Stickley, co-founded by Gustav’s brothers, operated contemporaneously with Gustav Stickley’s Craftsman Workshops and produced mission-style furniture that echoed the same principles of craftsmanship, simplicity, and integrity of materials. Library tables like this were designed for everyday functionality in studies or libraries. They offered flat tops for manuscripts, modest storage, and sturdy construction for long-term use. Their enduring design and modular appeal have made them a mainstay of Arts & Crafts furniture collections. The present example is in L. and J.G. Stickley's 1914 catalog as no. 531 with variations on it in four other sizes, one without the drawer and one with two drawers.
Condition: In estate-found condition with an old finish (originality unknown) with the typical signs of wear and use, rubbing, scuffing, and a prominent circular stain on the top. Traces of white speckle paint droplets and several teal green paint marks. Structurally sturdy and ready for daily use despite surface imperfections.
ref. 506MYW26P
