GUSTAV STICKLEY (1858-1942)

This rare desk is most likely the work of Henry Wilkinson, a skilled designer and architect who worked for Gustav Stickley starting in 1900. Wilkinson was influenced by his mentor and friend Ralph Adams Cram, who was a follower of the Medieval guild system of craftsmanship. Both considered themselves acolytes of William Morris. Wilkinson is credited with the Gothic Arch that is seen in early works from the Stickley workshop, and the present desk is a tour de force of detail and skilled craftsmanship following this style treatment.