American Wicker: Woven Furniture from 1850 to 1930

by Jeremy Adamson, Kit Latham

From a combination of two Swedish words-- wika, "to bend", and vikker, "willow"--wicker became an umbrella term covering an array of reeds, canes, willow limbs, and palm leaves used to make woven furniture. Wicker made in America is the focus of an exhibit now at the Smithsonian through August 1993. In this accompanying catalog, Adamson traces the phenomenon of wicker furniture, from its manufacture by two entrepreneurial Maine companies in the 1850s, through its use by the emerging American middle class in the late 19th century, and on to post-World War I contemporary styles. Well illustrated with 85 black-and-white and 60 color photos of museum displays, homes, and manufacturers' catalogs, some historical, this book makes readers aware of the impact of wicker on American home life. Highly recommended.
- Joseph Hewgley, Nashville P.L.

Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 1993