I had just finished pricing a 1920s wicker rocker at one of my mall booths when two ladies stopped to take a look. “This says it’s Heywood-Wakefield,” said one of them. “It can’t be,” said the other, “they only made blonde MCM furniture.”
This is not an uncommon error. True, the wonderful MCM period furniture that is currently so popular, was a mainstay of Haywood-Wakefield for many years. But it is only part of their story.
The five Heywood Brothers built their first chairs in a little shed on the family farm in 1826. They quickly established a reputation for quality, handmade furniture, expanding their shop and relocating to Crystal Lake, Massachusetts. Over the next decade they grew into one of the most respected furniture factories in the U.S.
Boston grocer, Cyrus Wakefield was a man of modest means, who married the daughter of a wealth shipping magnate. That statement alone might lead one to think that he started his furniture business with his father-in-law’s money. While it would be his association with his in-law’s business that would start him toward his destiny, the catalyst would not be cash, but the packing materials he discovered while visiting the docks.
Here he noticed large bundles of rattan, used to prevent cargo on the ships from shifting during the long voyage from Asia to America. Where others saw trash, Wakefield saw possibilities. Taking a bundle home and weaving it around the frame of an old chair he saw potential and shortly after sold his small grocery to start the Wakefield Rattan Company in 1855.
With the opening of the Wakefield Rattan Company, Heywood Brothers Furniture felt the pressure of having a true competitor in the marketplace. After 40 years of vying for top place the two joined forces in 1897 as Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company. The merger of these two giants formed a company with immense manufacturing capabilities and from that point forward it was . . . everybody else move over!
From 1897-1930 the Massachusetts based company produced what is considered by many to be the finest quality rattan and wicker furniture in the world. The buying public quickly became fascinated with this unique style of furniture and demand soared. For the next three decades they would be the leading seller of fine wicker and rattan furniture in both the U.S. and England.
The intricate detail of HW wicker drew its inspiration from Japanese styling and the Aesthetic Movement of the day. By contrast they also produced a a simpler line with an Arts and Crafts feel. While other companies faltered under the ever changing taste of the buying public, Heywood-Wakefield stayed abreast of the trends by hiring designers like Paul Frankl and Donald Deskey. Furniture, baskets ,and stylish Victorian baby carriages were valued by those who purchased them. As a result, many of them are still found in good condition.
Much of the wicker from this era was not marked, making age determination a challenge. Construction is the best way to narrow down age. Very old wicker will have a hardwood frame and considerable weight for the size of the piece. Also watch for the texture of the reed. If you are viewing an older piece the reed will be consistent in size and smooth to the touch. Above all you will see quality throughout, from the pattern of the weaving to the finishing touches.
Even the highest quality wicker was not meant for outdoor use. If you are fortunate enough to own a piece of Heywood-Wakefield, or other fine Victorian era wicker, always avoid exposure to the elements. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com.
