More about David Matthew Walters - Stickley House Photographer

David Matthew Walters

Director | Creative Director | Producer

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Apr 6, 2015

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Creative brief:

Recently my company was hired to photograph a classic American home designed by work renowned wood worker and home builder during the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 20th Century.

production:

Client: Style 1900
Design: Gustav Stickley and Gary Paul Co.
Editor: Fred Albert for Style 1900
Production: Dreamclay Pictures & David Matthew Walters Photography
Principal Photography: David Matthew Walters
Equipment: Dreamclay Production
On set producer: Nicholas Knutzen

In the not so recent past, I had the pleasure of experiencing an amazing piece of American art and architecture history. My career as a photographer often brings me to new experiences while meeting some amazing people. I had been working with a great architect Gary Paul for some time now We became friends and eventually he had an project of restoring this beautifully kept home and a piece of American history.

Upon the completion of his restoration and rennovation he was contacted by one photo editor at Style 1900 by the name of Fred Albert. When Fred saw the house he had to have it in the magazine. That is was one of the remaining homes Designed by renowned furniture designer and kit home builder Gustav Stickley who was one of the leaders of the American Craftsmen movement which was the evolution of the British Arts and Crafts movement in America in the early 20th century.

Stickely was born of humble beginnings in Wisconsin to German immigrant parents. While growing up he often helped his father who was a master stonemason. Though the hands on approach he learned working with his father, he eventually found his passion when his family relocated to Pennsylvania in his late teens. He began working at his uncles furniture factory where he found much inspiration.

From then on he began his lifelong endeavor and love for furniture making. eventually he would become one of the leaders of the American Craftsman movement who would also start designing homes for lovers of his style. Located in suburban New Jersey in the small town Maplewood. This home is just one of the over 100 homes that he designed and are still in existence today in the United States.

When this home was purchased in the early 2000s by Norman Schoenfeld who was an avid collector of all things Stickley, he loved the home though thought it needed a little updating, especially in the kitchen area. So Norman hired Gary Paul Company to bring the kitchen up to modern standards while maintaining the classic look.

Upon completion of the project, Gary Paul reached out to Fred Alpert at Style 1900. Once Fred saw the scouting photos he then began production on an editorial for the project. That is where I came in being that I had been working with Mr. Gary Paul over the past few years or so. He recommended me to be the principal photographer for the project. The rest you could view here or in the actual magazine.

Since then Style 1900 magazine has halted publication of its magazine. There have been rumors of its resurgence though nothing as of today. I have worked with Style 1900 and other publications shooting various projects including some other Stickley homes, a Greene and Greene amongst others. I have almost been commissioned a few time but still in search of my first Frank Lloyd Wright experience.