Inside Outside: The Adirondacks Get Rustic

Many associate Adirondack furniture with the iconic lounge chair, which was created in the area in the early 1900s. But don’t just sit on that stereotype. In reality, Adirondack furniture comes in all types. It is often identified for its rustic style that embodies a nature-forward philosophy rooted in a centuries-old tradition of masterful woodworking and craftsmanship.

Currently on view at the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, are 250 historical and contemporary examples of this mountainous region’s interior decor in the exhibition Natural Beauty: The Art of Rustic Furniture, which sits within the museum’s new 3,000-square-foot Changing Exhibit Gallery.

Presented is a visual demonstration, curated by ADKX Chief Curator Laura Rice, that explains how the Adirondacks’ wooded scenery has and continues to inspire local artisans. Many works in the show are rarely seen examples sourced from private collections, museums, and the ADKX’s collection. “ADKX holds the world’s largest collection of Adirondack rustic furniture, and with so many talented new makers emerging—and even longtime artisans pushing the boundaries—we felt it was the perfect time to revisit and reimagine this tradition,” says Rice.

The first examples of the Adirondack’s signature interior decor emerged in the 1870s, following the creation of the Great Camps, which served as wilderness retreats for wealthy city residents. Leaving behind the polluted urban landscapes of the mid-nineteenth century, these visitors wanted to immerse themselves in the woodsy mountainous splendor. They even did so with their interiors, thus beginning a burgeoning industry for woodworkers and artisans.

Among the artisans who were early participants in shaping this genre was Seth Pierce (1828–1911), who was what many would consider a true outdoorsman. He worked as a carpenter while also employed as a guide, fisherman, and hunter. The museum refers to his pieces as cornerstones of the rustic Adirondack Mountain movement, which includes an 1880–1890 patchwork corner cupboard that stands tall in the exhibition.

Another notable name for collectors and admirers of this style to know is Ernest Stowe (1865–1940), a prominent furniture maker and carpenter who assisted in building many luxury camps in the region. Natural Beauty features 16 pieces of Stowe’s work, including an intricately designed wall clock made from Stowe’s signature use of yellow birch rounds and white birch bark.

Also on view are examples from the commercial industry that emerged from this trend, which sold rustic-appearing interior goods for private homes and businesses. As old as the late 1800s, companies like the upstate-based H.C. Dexter Chair Company and the Old Hickory Chair Company from Indiana offered mass-produced products that appeared like homemade craftsmanship, including hickory-braided porch swings and silver birch coat racks and stools. Modern artistry also gets an opportunity to shine in the show, with examples by contemporary artists Jonathan Swartwout and Jillian Post, and pieces that incorporate modern touches such as scrap metal and LED lighting. The inclusion of this newer work also signifies an emerging trend in interior design that is harkening back to nature. “Rustic design is experiencing a true resurgence, moving far beyond the classic camp aesthetic into urban lofts and modern interiors,” explains Rice. “We hope visitors leave with a deep appreciation for the extraordinary craftsmanship behind each piece, whether rooted in tradition or boldly contemporary.”

See Antique Trader's interview with curator, Laura Rice: Natural Beauty Shines at Adirondack Experience

Information about Natural Beauty: The Art of Rustic Furniture can be found on the website.

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