Thomas Moser’s Pasadena Collection
What is your opinion of this new line of furniture from Thomas Moser? This venerable New England company has been manufacturing beautiful furnishings since 1972. There’s no doubt that the quality of their work is superb. And I wish I could afford some of their pieces. Truly. But…
I’m not liking this new collection. Their press release stated that the collection has a “distinct West Coast air of openness that draws on the organic architecture of California’s mid-Century style.”¬† I’m rather mystified by that. Other than the use of wood to frame everything, I don’t see anything that really says “mid-century” to me. Nor does it remind me of California. Maybe it’s the wavy thing going on. But that reminds me more of Beaux Arts.
I like the dining room set, though the backless chair looks really uncomfortable. To be fair, looks can be deceiving. The living room things are “ugh.” Maybe if they’d used a nicer, mid-century fabric it would strike my fancy a bit more. Or, if it weren’t all one set, which is never a good idea anyway. Hmmm….
I’ve interviewed their designer, David Moser. He’s a great guy with a true love for what he does. So, I wish I could write a rave for this new collection. But truthfully, other than his Edo Collection, which is brilliant, I really like the more Shaker-like designs ( below) from their early years (which they still make).
Am I getting it wrong here? What are your thoughts?
4 Responses to “Thomas Moser’s Pasadena Collection”
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Posted by Amanda on September 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I see where they are referencing Mid century with the tapered leg, somewhat low profile, and medium wood tones…but there are WAY to many curves in those legs and the fabric is just …no. I live in California in a mid century home surrounded by mid cen mod furniture…this collectionis not even close. I think you are right on. The best part of either one of those top photo’s is the lamps!
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Posted by Sasha on September 26th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I absolutely love the beaux arts look, better than the shaker look. I agree with the rest of your dislikes, though.
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Posted by Neil on September 26th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I LOVE this collection! While the dining pieces do have an Art Nouveau feel about them due to the organic curves, the lounge seating definitely has a mid-century look. Think Gio Ponti, Vladimir Kagan, Hans Wegner or other Italian/Scandanavian designs of the period. Plus, with regards to the California citation…I see a clear Sam Maloof influence here also in the sculptural quality of these pieces. My feeling is that this stuff would fit right in with any modernist interior but is versatile enough to work with transitional or even traditional pieces as well.
Those backless chairs look ridiculous. I don’t mind the rest of it, and I particularly like the shaker-like design at the end.