Sam Maloof is a well-known furniture designer and woodworker. His work can be found in major American museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He was also a member of the Modern design movement and designed many iconic pieces, such as the rocking chair.
Woodworking hero
Sam Maloof was a famous American woodworker, known for his elegant, simple, and functional wooden furniture. His career spanned six decades. During this time, he was recognized as a leading figure in the postwar American crafts movement.
He is best remembered for his rocking chair, which became a classic of American design. In the 1950s, the piece was valued for its comfort and simplicity. The furniture was also installed in Case Study Houses, experimental homes designed by progressive architects.
Sam and Alfreda Maloof founded the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts in 1994. This foundation encourages artists to excel in craftsmanship and serves as a resource for those interested in learning about hand-crafted objects.
During his lifetime, Maloof received numerous awards and honors for his craftsmanship. His work is held in numerous public and private collections.
Modern design movement
Sam Maloof was one of the leaders of the California modern design movement. His furniture designs blended traditional and contemporary styles, creating pieces that were both beautiful and functional. In addition to being awarded many awards, he is renowned for his excellent craftsmanship.
In 1985, the Smithsonian Institution declared him America’s foremost contemporary craftsman. He was also named a MacArthur Fellow. During the 1970s, he made over 300 pieces of furniture.
His work was displayed in a prestigious exhibition at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2001. It is now in major private and public collections across the country.
He received an honorary doctorate from three universities. One of his most famous designs is a chair he made for the White House.
Rocking chair set a precedent
Sam Maloof designed and built a rocking chair that revolutionized the design of rockers. He created this iconic piece and helped establish a new standard for American design.
When Maloof started making his signature rockers in 1958, he was able to create a new form that was incredibly sturdy, durable and comfortable. He used seven layers of wood laminated together, creating a strong, elongated rocker.
Maloof’s chairs are made with top quality hardwoods. The legs are curved backward, and the armrests accept tired limbs in a natural relaxed position. They have been crafted by hand in his studio in Alta Loma, California.
As a self-taught woodworker, Maloof believed that good furniture must be aesthetically appealing and functional. He took inspiration from traditional American designs, but he also wanted his pieces to be simple and elegant.
Home in rural Alta Loma
The former home of Sam Maloof and his wife Alfreda in Alta Loma, California is now a museum. It is considered a national historic monument.
As a woodworker, Sam Maloof created some of the most recognizable forms of the mid-twentieth century. His rocking chair and dining room set are well-known, but he also made a variety of furniture including baby cradles, desks, coffee tables, and other pieces. He and his wife were known for bringing human warmth to hard surfaces.
Sam and Alfreda Maloof originally lived in a six-room house in the middle of a lemon grove. But the state of California needed a road through the grove. They decided to build their home on a more suitable six-acre site.
When the state began constructing a freeway on their property, the house was threatened with demolition. In order to save the house, they moved it three miles away from its original location.
New education center/gallery
Visiting the Sam Maloof House in Alta Loma, California, is a wonderful way to learn about this celebrated American craftsman. The house has been converted into a museum, and visitors can explore the art collections on display there. It’s open to the public for a small fee.
Sam Maloof was an American furniture maker, artist, and craftsman. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout the country. He is known for his mastery of light and his ability to incorporate materials into sculptural forms.
After receiving a “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation in 1985, Sam Maloof founded the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. The foundation is committed to preserving and promoting the arts and crafts movement.
One of the most significant aspects of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation is the Maloof Center, a working studio and workshop that provides a home for visiting craftsmen. In addition, the Maloof Center Foundation has established several programs, including workshops, lectures, and seminars.
