Reclining Chair (no. 2341)

The United Crafts or Craftsman Workshops

1901-02 (ca.)

37 ½ x 30 x 33 ½ inches

Oak, leather, iron

2012.17

Gift of James G.R. Hart and Richard H. Hart (descendants of John Lathrop Jerome) and Barbara J.R. Hart

Shop mark (decal) underneath Armrest on left-hand side of chair

In essentially untouched condition, this chair is a rare survivor from the period that remained in the family of the original purchaser until it was given by the descendants of John Lathrop Jerome to the museum in 2012. Purchased for his summer home named "La Hacienda" in Buffalo Park, Colorado that was designed by noted Denver architect Frederick J. Sterner, Jerome was inspired by Stickley's furniture after seeing the firm's display at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. In addition to the original leather cushions, the chair retains its original leather sling that supports the seat cushion, which has traces of green pigment still evident.

Reclining Chair (no. 2341) was manufactured by Stickley beginning in 1901 and remained in production until 1904, when it was replaced by Reclining Chair (no. 334). The chair evolved slightly over time and by 1902 when it was photographed for Stickley's retail plates (a set of the firm's offerings distributed to clients and retailers) the pin which allows the chair back to recline was no longer capped with a protruding four-sided pyramid but instead was cut flush to the back leg (see photo 5).

John L. Jerome, for his home La Hacienda (built in 1902); then by descent.