Ficks Reed Fever

For the last few months Jennings and I have had a definite issue with rattan.  It has become a bit of a problem.  We were bitten by the bug and have the fever.  Full-on make you sweat, give you the chills and shakes, sometimes delirium inducing fever.

Rattan is certainly experiencing a revival of sorts.  You see it everywhere on blogs and home decor magazines and with good reason.  It can be used in so many ways- in natural tones, lacquered a fun bright color, or even simplistic white.  It makes for a relaxing atmosphere on a porch and brings a coziness to more formal spaces.  

We both recently purchased vintage rattan sets and have been working on restoring them to their former glory.  Although we made our buys separately and even in different states, they were both from famed furniture company Ficks Reed.

The Ficks Reed Furniture Company was founded in 1885.  They designed and crafted the finest quality designs utilizing wicker, rattan, bamboo, leather and select hardwoods  Their skilled artisans custom made each piece with an attention to detail, comfort, and craftsmanship.  Through the years the Ficks Reed company collaborated with some of the world's top designers including Dorothy Draper and Paul T. Frankl.  Their designs have furnished many prestigious hotels including The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida and my all time favorite, The Greenbrier Resort.  

In 2006, Ficks Reed inked a deal with Carleton Varney to create a luxury line of wicker and rattan based on the original designs of Dorothy Draper for Ficks Reed in the 40's and 50s.  Sadly, after 125 years the company closed in January 2011.  While all good things must come to an end, you may  preserve a little piece of this furniture history by purchasing one of their designs.  They are certain to become highly collectible and more sought after because like land, they ain't making any more of it.

Ficks Reed Lounger and Ottoman Courtesy of House Beautiful

* Photos courtesy of In The Pink by Carleton Varney

The Dali Chair- part of the Carleton Varney for Ficks Reed Collection

On one of our many shopping trips, we happened upon this fab set of mid century Ficks Reed swivel chairs.  We loved them so much we just couldn't leave them behind.  They are pretty incredible but with Jennings and I both already having dining room sets and patio sets we really have no where to use them!  And since our husbands have had it with our hoarding we are putting them up for sale at Rogue Vintage

I was able to pull this brochure from the Ficks Reed archives.  It looks like they were making the swivel chairs around 1958 which would put these babies right on track with their early 60's mid century vibe.

They would be amazing lacquered a fun color or I would LOVE to see them painted black with the white cushions.  Alas, we will leave the new look to the new owner.  Dang it!  I need a bigger house.

Till Next Time,

Tricia