Thomas Moser, the renowned furniture designer and maker, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, at the age of 90. For over 50 years, Moser's company, Thos. Moser Furniture, became known globally for its craftsmanship and use of sustainable materials. His wooden furniture was celebrated for its understated elegance and clean lines, heavily influenced by traditions like Shaker furniture, which emphasised simplicity and utility. Moser once said, 'What makes beauty, in my world, is that which serves. And if it doesn't have a functional component, a strong sense of utility, I am not interested in it.'
Thomas Moser, founder of Thos. Moser Furniture. Photo: Thos Moser.
Moser's furniture gained popularity in prestigious circles, with pieces featured in the George W. Bush Presidential Library and archives, ceremonial seating for Pope Benedict, and even a rocking chair for President Jimmy Carter. The furniture also attracted a wider audience, with people viewing Moser's creations as "legacy objects" meant to last for generations, according to furniture designer Rosanne Somerson.
Born near Chicago, Moser's early life was marked by hardship, including the loss of both his parents to cancer. After a diverse career path that included time in the military and earning a Ph.D., he founded Thos. Moser Furniture in 1972. The company was sold to a holding company in January 2025, with new management promising to uphold Moser's legacy. Moser is remembered for his commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Source: www.ksjd.org