A Famed Furniture Maker’s Living Museum

Sam Maloof, furniture designer extraordinaire, began his woodworking career when he moved into a new house with his wife and they needed to furnish it with a limited budget. This was the genesis of an illustrious career of craft and design that gained Maloof international fame and recognition.

The California-born artist was the first craftsperson to receive the MacArthur Fellowship, which he received in 1985. During his lifetime he produced nearly 5,000 pieces of furniture and was especially known for his chairs. He lovingly handcrafted each piece, with help from his assistants, and hoped to produce furniture “with soul.”