Today my wife and I went to tour the historic residence and gardens of the famous woodworker and artist Sam Maloof (1916-2009). He was born and raised in Southern California and lived here all of his life. I have wanted to go for some time, but could never make it work out as they only do tours on Thursdays and Saturdays and you typically need reservations.

The Sam Maloof Foundation

Sam Maloof Gallery

The property and gardens are situated on approximately 6 acres of land and the garden is absolutely beautiful. The house is not large or ornate, but very simple, comfortable and eclectic. Sam hated repetitiveness so there are no 2 doors exactly alike and every door handle and latch is made from wood and is unique. He made many of the stained glass pieces in the home and it is decorated extensively with Native American art and designs. The home is basically dedicated to his beloved wife Alfreda whom he was married to for 50 years before she died in 1998. Sam said about his wife "I am the hands of the business, but she is the heart and soul." Before they had met, she had been a teacher for 10 years on the Reservations of various Native American tribes, so it was an extensive part of her life. Since Sam did not sell his work commercially, nor did he advertise, his home was his show room and the second story was set up as a place to show his furniture to clients.

We got there early as we did not have a tour reservation (tours at 1, 2 and 3pm on Thursdays and Fridays only). The Lead Docent said that the 3 tours for the day were already full but if we wanted to stick around for the first one that she may be able to work us in if there were no-shows. So we walked the grounds and the gardens and enjoyed the beautiful day (clear and sunny in the low 50’s). The Lead Docent was a really neat lady as she had known the Maloof family since the early 1950’s and shared a lot of personal stories about the Maloof’s and the house as she spent a great deal of time with the Maloofs in the home. I commented on seeing Sam’s woodshop (still in operation today with his 3 apprentices carrying on Sam's work) but she said that it was off limits as they were working. But that didn't stop me from taking some exterior photos through the windows and leaving a couple of nose prints on the glass. (note: the shop is not very large at all) The Docent took my wife and I around the back of the shop and showed us 2 of the 5 large wood storage rooms that are on the property. Sam was definitely a “wood hoarder†as he had more wood than could be used in a hundred years and would never throw away any piece that he may be able to use for something else. The only wood that he would give away was pieces to wood working students who would tour his shop that would then be used for a class project. The Docent let us walk up and down the aisles and shoot some photos and “fingerprint†the wood.

The Lead Docent told us that since they had a few other couples show up that didn't have reservations and that she didn’t want to turn anyone away, she said that she would do a second 1pm tour and just split up the two groups. So we got in her group and we got a great tour. Unfortunately they do not allow any photography inside the house so it was a bit of a bummer for me. But at the end of the tour in the last room they have one of Sam’s chairs for people to try out. All I can say is that I have never sat in a more comfortable wooden chair in my life.

So if you live in So. California, or if you plan on making a trip out to So. California, this is a great tour to take as a wood worker. Just be sure that you call and get a tour reservation 1st.

 

 

Templates hanging over the windows inside the shop

 

Back room off the main shop. Shot through the window

 

 

 

 

My lovely wife in the garden

How cool is that ? It sounds like a great tour . I believe Randy Child one of members had been there and Sam helped him build one of his chairs . Thanks for sharing. I wish I had the funds just to tour all the shops of all the great woodworkers in the USA  and beyond starting with Charles Neil and then all the east coast guys that write for Finewoodworking.

Wow, what a day Allen. That was a special and neat tour. That would have to definitely go on my bucket list. It has been more than 20 years since I was in California, but if I get back that will have to be a to do.

 

I am glad that you got to actually take the tour. That was very nice of them to accommodate those that have come. I know they didn't have too, but that shows they really do care.

 

Very interesting looking place, thanks for sharing your outing with us.

I have nothing to say Allen but, I am green with envy. What a tour. I still kick myself in the but for not taking the tour while Sam was still around. I just thought he'd be around like forever and I'd get to meet him whenever I get up there.

Great post Allen and thanks for the great pics.