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This was a straight up reproduction Stickley Morris chair, pretty much sticking to the one Bob Lang wrote about in Popular Woodworking #189. I've always wanted to make one of these, and finally I got the chance. I went for all the details; the slant on the bottom rail on the sides, real through mortises for the arms (as opposed to faking them with plugs), etc. It was good challenge and a lot of fun. A local upholsterer did a great job on her end, and the result works well in my house. Did I mention it is super comfortable? It is my go to "Im gong to sit down and read woodworking books" chair.

I'm blogging about this on my site with lots more pictures and info at http://dcwwoodworks.com/blog/2016/6/14/at-last-a-morris-chair .

(link fixed)

Thanks for looking.

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Comments

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Nicely done. I especially like the through tenons on the arms and the pegs that let you recline the chair.

I went the lazy man's way and bought one from Stickley several years back which might be why I suffer from the "I'm going to sit down and read woodworking books" more often than I should.
 

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EarlS - I've been wanting to check out the modern Stickley stuff to compare it to the reproductions I've been building. From what I've read and heard, they're still making quality pieces as true to the original joinery and style as can be reasonably expected these days. I'll bet it was worth it.
 

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Nice job on the Morris chair. The Stickley #369 is my favorite of all the Morris chairs. The slanted arms give it a distinct look. I concur that Bob Lang's article from Popular Woodworking is a valuable resource, and anyone looking to build this chair should order a reprint issue.

It came out great Douglas!
 

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Those are realy masterpiece of woodworking, great craftmanship.
 

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That's a great looking Morris chair! It's nice that you took the time to include all the authentic joinery-makes the project much more satisfying, knowing that you did it right!

Enjoy reading in it!
 

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Excellent work! It's great to see someone continuing the tradition.
 

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I really like the chair, a great execution of a classic design.

Here in Houston, the Louis Shanks furniture store carries Stickley and my wife go in there and just browse the Stickley stuff which is very solidly made.

I freaked one of the sale guys out as I had every drawer out of a chest and was looking at the interior joinery when he came around the corner. He gave me a funny look, but I told him i was just admiring the craftsmanship and he just sort of shrugged and kept going. I'm guessing I'm not the first guy to do this.
 

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Bondo-the chair is extremely comfortable. That's one of the funny things about making a reproduction like this, unless you've used an original (which I hadn't) you're not sure if it will be comfy until after you've spent hours and hours building, finishing, and upholstering it. You at least know it will look good. Great relief after the first sitting that it was as comfortable as I'd hoped.

MikeDS-nice story. I'm going through be that guy soon.
 

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You did a great job. I like how you upholstered the cushions and the finish looks good. I'll have to read your blog to see what you did for the finish. This project is a good kick in the pants for me to get my chair going. Thank you for posting.
 

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Excellent build and fine reproduction of a piece that's on my to do list.
I really like the authentic pegs on the back adjustment.
 

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Beautiful job! I'm hoping to build one or two of these one day myself.

ETA: I went and read your blog. I had been wondering how you got the slanted arms. What a cool little trick lol.
 

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Wow. I just stumbled upon your most recent blog and then on to this project page. What a beautiful piece! I am looking forward to seeing the rest of your blog entries.

I know this sounds clichéd, but I'm jealous that u got to cross it off your bucket list as I've always wanted to build one if these as well.

Fyi I use Mason jars for my finishes, too. They work great

Excellent work, congrats!
 

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Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Tooch - with the mountain of projects you have under your belt, are you sure one of them wasn't a Morris chair and you just forgot? ;-)
 
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