Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts, Alta Loma, California
Last year, I toured the house and workshops of celebrated woodworker Sam Maloof with my friends Jackie and Gilbert. A leader in the California modern arts movement, Maloof crafted furniture for over 50 years until his death in 2009 at the age of 93.
Nestled in a citrus grove in Alta Loma, California near the San Gabriel Mountains, the blue-roofed house features handcrafted fences, gates, door latches and a sumptuous spiral staircase. A favorite avocado tree’s fallen limb serves as a central beam in the upstairs “treehouse room” in the 22-room house.
Inside the house is a treasure chest of Maloof-crafted furniture. Most of his furniture is crafted from walnut, his favorite wood to work with. Every room pops with items from Sam’s and wife Alfreda’s worldwide travels that reflect the spirit of arts and crafts.
Maloof Chair, 2019
Maloof’s chairs have a curving grace and high shine and the natural wood grain is showcased – perfection in a thoughtfully worked piece of wood.
The California and Mediterranean native gardens imbue the property with a reflective space with benches, sculptures, and picnic areas for visitors.
Maloof’s work is displayed in the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, Boston Museum of Art and New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan owned Maloof rockers.
Maloof Workshop, 2019.
The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts is part of a coalition of 30 museums that were homes and working studios of American artists. The Maloof house and workshops were moved to this five-acre site in 1994 to make room for the 210 freeway extension.
Our visit to the historic Maloof house was a wonderful afternoon immersed in enjoying the work of an exceptional woodworker.
Maloof Residence Gate, 2019
Docent lead public tour information available at: www.malooffoundation.org/visit.
Beautiful post, Susan. The chair is stunning.
What incredible workmanship and artistry. I have seen his stuff before on TV. You remind me that this is a must visit. Thanks so much Susan.
Marc
Beautiful and inspiring legacy, thank you for introducing us this wonderful art.
A definite must visit!!!! Thank you Susan
Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos and narrative. I have missed these and am glad to see them back.
Wow! This fellow was certainly an artist! Wish I was still in So Cal so I could visit. Great photos–thanks!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photography. I’ve had the pleasure of showing Maloof’s rocker at the Huntington a few years ago. I missed a trip to his home and workshop that they planned for docents at the time, but I am going very soon. I pass the offramp everytime I come back to Pasadena and think about going. His work is remarkable and his studio is so close. I also had the pleasure of sitting on one of his rockers. Wish I could have one.
Thanks Susan for sharing this special destination. Amazing how some woodworkers can transform and give wood a new fantastic life.
Looks lovely. I’ll have to check it out.
What a beautiful post, Susan. It is so nice to hear about this incredible artist. I did not know about him and hope to visit and see his work in person. Thanks so much for sharing! -Janell
I was unaware of this place. Looks like a hidden gem to check out. Thanks for the tip.