Early America got its first taste of wicker in 1620, when the Mayflower docked in Cape Cod. During this time of tremendous change, the style was quickly forgotten, not to be seen again for another 200 years.
In the mid 1800s, a man in Massachusetts was fascinated by the rattan vines he found lying on the dock. Ships traveling between the new colonies and Asia used the vines and would throw them out as trash after a long voyage. As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure! Cyrus Wakefield found good use for the vines, weaving them into baskets and furniture. Soon, the Wakefield Rattan Company was born, and the rebirth of wicker had begun. Not only did Mr. Wakefield's discovery on the lonely docks of Massachusetts change his life, it changed the entire town. South Reading, the town in which he lived, would turn into a manufacturing center in just a few years, and the town itself would be renamed for the donor of their new town hall, Wakefield. Cyrus Wakefield is considered to be the father of the wicker industry still today.
Wicker Futon Frame
Over the next twenty years, new technologies were born which allowed for wicker furniture to be made through automation, meaning it would no longer have to be hand woven. This made for higher production and lower costs, something that greatly benefited the consumer. In the late 1800's Wakefield Rattan merged with its largest competitor, and the new company monopolized the industry for the next 100 years.
From the time of around 1930 to the late 70s, wicker furniture lost its appeal somewhat. Trends were changing quickly, and consumers gravitated towards more modern furniture styles. Wicker, with its ornate weaving and curves, would take a backseat to wood and metal chairs and sofas for the time being. In the late 70s, however, rattan and wicker chairs, tables, even bed frames, came back with a bang.
Still today, wicker tables and seating pieces are widely used on sun porches and living rooms in certain parts of the country. In warmer climates, woven resin chairs and tables in modern styles are used outdoors thanks to the weather resistant qualities of the material. Sun, rain, the family dog, they are no match for the strength and durability of today's resin wicker furniture. Although there are places where one can purchase traditional Victorian style wicker, there are many new manufacturers who are following trends and creating pieces that are more square and straight, such as the Avon Cushioned Lounge Chair.
Wicker has been a staple in indoor and outdoor furniture for ages. GAR is one of the top manufacturers and they have so many pieces to offer. Seeing all the new styles that are inviting and elegant, we predict that it will continue on for many years to come.