Home Renovation Toronto

By Todd Arend

The mission glider is part of an important piece of American history. The architecture movement known as Mission revival style was influential and widespread, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th century. It paid homage to early Spanish religious missions in the California region. Consequently, that is also how Mission figs got their name. Between 1890 and 1915 the movement witnessed its peak in popularity, featured in buildings, both commercial and residential, as well as individual furniture items, like the mission glider and other pieces. In particular, edifices like schools and railroad stations feature the recognizable style.

In the past, the California missions were similar in design in that there was not a lot of building material to work with (typically stucco plaster over adobe brick), so most structures resembled one another. Also windows were scarce. Projecting eaves and tiled, clay roofs were also distinctive to the style, along with piered arches, curved gables and arcaded corridors. However, many of todays revival construction projects do not have the same functional characteristics, but merely look the same out of aesthetic value.

The mission glider and revival style did not come about as a result of natural occurrence. Rather, it was the work of New York retailer Joseph McHugh who coined the term mission furniture in describing his simple, rustic designs. He manufactured furniture at the turn of the 20th century and modeled his signature style after a specific chair built for the Swedenborgian Church of New Jerusalem located in San Francisco. The chair itself had been built around the same time, so it was not much of a stretch for McHugh. The chair, a simple rush form, aligned with design of the church, both of which were rustic and in the style of mission era architecture. It was also relatively synonymous of the Arts & Crafts movement around the same time. The only recognized difference among some circles is that mission furniture is more basic and of a lower caliber than Arts & Crafts style designs.

During the peak of its popularity, mission style housing was equally popular to Victorian style homes, and much of the furniture, like the mission glider, also reflected this trend on the inside of homes. Firms specializing in mission furniture, like the Craftsman Workshops of Gustav Stickley, came into being at this time, manufacturing solely construction projects in the style.

Today, a century after it first took hold, the mission style revival is still alive and well. Mission style cabinetry, structures, and seating like the mission glider are produced by countless companies nationwide in every variety of wood and at every price point. Owning an authentic piece of furniture from an actual California mission is much more difficult, but the replicas are so close it is hard to know the difference. You can buy these items locally or on any number of online e-tailers. Just be sure when you go to make your purchase that you are buying quality goods. No matter what the style, good craftsmanship is good craftsmanship, plain and simple. In this case, mission style may be simple, but it is anything but plain.

About The Author

Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes for such sites as http://www.cedarwoodfurniture.com