A Symbiotic Partnership: Marrying Commerce to Education at Gustav Stickley's 1903 Arts & Crafts Exhibitions

The 1903 Syracuse, New York, Arts and Crafts Exhibition is a signature event in the Movement's history, but Gustav Stickley's self-serving, shameless shilling for his hometown United Crafts furniture enterprise could be dismissed. A Symbiotic Partnership reveals the driver of the courtship that led to an unusual marriage between a commercial furniture manufacturer and a not-for-profit educational institution: a corner cupboard. This previously undocumented cupboard-server, purchased by Mechanics Institute from United Crafts in 1901, spurred a partnership for a co-sponsored exhibition pivotal in the Arts and Crafts Movement's growth-transforming decorative arts and art education.

Format: Hardback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press

The 1903 Syracuse, New York, Arts and Crafts Exhibition is a signature event in the Movement's history. But were it not for what else happened, the exhibition could be dismissed for what it was: Gustav Stickley's self-serving, shameless shilling for his hometown United Crafts furniture enterprise. Following a twelve-day run in Stickley's salesrooms, the exhibition moved ninety miles west to Mechanics Institute in Rochester. Stickley's traveling exhibit predates by a decade what is usually acknowledged as the first art exhibition held at multiple venues, the New York Armory Show.

A Symbiotic Partnership reveals the driver of the courtship that led to an unusual marriage between a commercial furniture manufacturer and a not-for-profit educational institution: a corner cupboard. This previously undocumented cupboard-server, purchased by Mechanics Institute from United Crafts in 1901, spurred a partnership for a co-sponsored exhibition pivotal in the Arts and Crafts Movement's growth-transforming decorative arts and art education.

The Arts and Crafts Movement was a reaction against the industrialization and mass production of the late 19th century. It emphasized the importance of handcraftsmanship, quality materials, and traditional design. The movement's founders, including Gustav Stickley, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and William Morris, believed that art should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy elite.

The 1903 Syracuse, New York, Arts and Crafts Exhibition was a significant event in the movement's history. It showcased the work of many influential artists and designers, including Stickley, Mackintosh, and Morris. The exhibition also highlighted the movement's commitment to education and training, with many workshops and demonstrations being held throughout the event.

The corner cupboard purchased by Mechanics Institute from United Crafts in 1901 was a pivotal moment in the Arts and Crafts Movement. It was a rare example of a commercial furniture manufacturer partnering with a not-for-profit educational institution, and it helped to promote the movement's values and principles. The cupboard-server was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, and it was a symbol of the movement's commitment to quality and traditional design.

The partnership between Mechanics Institute and United Crafts was a successful one, and it led to many other collaborations between the two organizations. The exhibition also helped to raise awareness of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and it contributed to its growth and popularity.

In conclusion, the 1903 Syracuse, New York, Arts and Crafts Exhibition was a significant event in the history of the Arts and Crafts Movement. It showcased the work of many influential artists and designers, and it helped to promote the movement's values and principles. The corner cupboard purchased by Mechanics Institute from United Crafts in 1901 was a pivotal moment in the movement's history, and it helped to promote the movement's commitment to quality and traditional design.

Dimension: 228 x 254 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781939125958