THOS. MOSER, ARTISTRY IN WOOD, Thomas F. Moser and Brad Lemley with foreword by Andy Rooney, Chronicle Books, $60, hardcover, 192 pp. with 300 images.
"Artistry in Wood" is a sumptuous introduction to the furniture of Thomas Moser.
From presidents and Hollywood celebrities to the discerning and affluent, numerous individuals have appreciated Moser's furniture designs for over 30 years. Each piece is inspired by traditionally classic styles, such as Shaker and Arts & Crafts.
Made mostly of harvested cherry wood from Pennsylvania, Moser's furniture incorporates craftsmanship learned by studying modern woodworking masters such as Hans Wegner, Sam Maloof and George Nakashima.
Because of his great love of woodworking, Moser taught himself to make furniture largely through trial and error. In 1972, with one table saw, one belt sander, one saber saw and a few hand tools, he left a full-time teaching position to start Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers; the business now has showrooms in San Francisco; Chicago; New York; Freeport, Maine; and Charleston, S.C.
Employing a journal style of writing, the book follows Moser through the lean years and on up to and including his success today; the last chapter is a tour of Moser's shop, which is a visual delight.
Throughout the book, readers are treated to nearly 300 (mostly color) lavish photographs documenting the company's products while also illustrating Moser's deft craftsmanship. (The photography of the furniture is so crisp with detail readers will almost believe they can feel the grain of the wood.)
"Thos. Moser, Artistry in Wood" — with a humorous foreword by Andy Rooney — is a pleasurable read filled with beautiful photography and fascinating information on wood and the creation of furniture.
For additional information on Moser and his company, see www.ThosMoser.com.
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