Cover Story: Stickley Audi & Co.

“The numerous pieces that furnish your house...are undoubtedly THINGS!...but if you choose each piece with due regard to your individual needs and preferences...it then becomes, not a THING, but an undeniable part of yourself!” - Leopold Stickley ca. 1914

What is it that makes furniture fine furniture? Fine furniture is constructed by educated hands, using the best materials and blending the precision of modern technology with the care of centuries-old methods. Fine furniture is honored with awards and recognized by collectors. But, most importantly, it is cherished in the home, becoming an integral part of family stories and memories. Welcome to Stickley – makers of collector quality fine furniture since 1900. Timeless design, exquisite craftsmanship, unparalleled integrity, superior construction and historical relevance – that’s the Stickley Difference.

“We take great pride in the quality of our furniture,” said Dan Webb, Pennsylvania’s regional manager for Stickley. “The furniture that our skilled artisans craft is sought after by devoted collectors all over.”

The Stickley story began with three words: Als Ik Kan. This old Flemish craftsman’s phrase, meaning “to the best of my ability,” has always been the guiding principle of Stickley. Gustav Stickley marked his product with the phrase to assure customers that his furniture was of the finest quality, and that every piece was made with honor, integrity, and pride. The principle was solidly embodied in the treasured early 20th century Mission Oak antiques of L. & J.G. Stickley and the Craftsman Workshops.

Leopold Stickley’s colonial-inspired Cherry Valley Collection, introduced in the 1920s, honored the tradition of early American craftsmen. The beloved collection continued throughout the following decades, earning Leopold the title of “The Revered Dean of Cabinetmakers.” The beauty, the richness, and the uncompromised quality of the Cherry Valley Collection continued to echo the fine craftsmanship of the past.

By the second half of the century, Stickley faced an uncertain future, but his passion for fine furniture persisted. He waited for new, steady hands and a clear, unwavering vision to return the company to prominence. Stickley found both in Alfred Audi.Alfred Audi knew L. & J.G. Stickley very well. His father, E.J. Audi, partnered with Leopold Stickley for years to provide New Yorkers with the finest quality furniture from his Manhattan showroom.

In 1974, Alfred received a call from Stickley’s wife, Louise. “Alfred,” she said, “you are the only one who loves Stickley enough to continue its tradition of quality. Would you buy it?” The response was almost immediate. Thus began the Audi family’s journey of blending the manufacturing and retailing of Stickley product.

Although experts warned that the odds were stacked against them, Alfred and his wife, Aminy, were unwilling to let Stickley become a relic of the past. When he purchased the company, Alfred reassured the few Stickley craftspeople who were still on board. “You stick with me,” he said, “I'll stick with you, and we’re going to make this place move.” And together, they rejuvenated the company.

Sadly, Alfred Audi passed away in the fall of 2007. But the legacy of the man who rescued Stickley from ruin lives on through his family. Audi’s wife Aminy and son Edward run Stickley today, and they are determined to continue his tremendous vision for this company.

“The first piece of furniture Alfred and I received, as we set about to furnish our home in 1964, was a Stickley terrace server,” said Aminy. “It was a wedding gift from Louise. We never imagined that ten years later we would become the proud owners of L. & J.G. Stickley.

“The Audi family story is intimately intertwined with the Stickley story,” she continued. “And we intend to pass that legacy on to the next generation of Stickley admirers. We owe it to our devoted employees and loyal customers to continue Alfred’s brilliant vision for this venerable American company.”

By reviving the Mission collection, the Audis tapped into a nearly forgotten era of American furniture history and helped to shape a renaissance of arts and crafts furnishings. L. & J.G. Stickley, Inc. now thrives with over 1600 employees, distinctive furniture lines, and state-of-the-art factories in Manlius, N.Y.; Archdale, N.C.; and Vietnam. They have proven that the Stickley story is one of enduring tradition – fine furniture, superior craftsmanship, and an honest, unshakeable philosophy of excellence.

www.stickleyaudi.com