Visiting Sam Maloof

[coastalb55]

Hi! I'm a frequent lurker and rare poster. I figured I would share my trip to Sam Maloof's house this past weekend.

My parent's live within a mile and a half of his house, (his house use to be even closer before they moved it to put in the 210 freeway) but I never got around to visiting until now. I'm just getting into the hobby so I figured a trip there would be inspirational.

The website recommends making reservations so I called in the morning to do so. I was expecting a business-like greeting at the reservation phone number, instead I was greeted by the voice of an older gentleman, "Hello".

Me thinking I've dialed the wrong number - "Um, is this Sam Maloof's residence?".

"Yes, this is Sam".

A bit startled,"Um, uh is there room for three at the 1:00 tour?"

"Oh yes, there's room Come by a little before 1:00"

"O-OK, thanks".

I sure wasn't expecting to speak with Sam himself.

So my dad, my wife and I went to the house for the tour and it was all I expected and more. The grounds are nicely kept, but the original house (now a museum/showcase of his work - he has his private residence adjacent to the original) is a truely masterful work off art. The house was built section by section over the years that he lived in it and there are Sam's touches everywhere. Every room of the house has his reknown furniture and it was great to be allowed to run my hands over the fine details in his work.

On top of that, we got to meet the man himself. He took some time to talk to us and he seemed like a real down to earth man. He seemed to be much younger than his 90 year-old age. I was a real treat to see the man I've read and heared so much about.

So that's the visit in a nut shell. I you are ever in the LA area, Rancho Cucamonga is only 45 min - 1 hour drive (longer if traffic is bad) and Sam Maloof's house is a great way to spend a few hours.

Web link: http://www.malooffoundation.org/tours.cfm

Andy

[atgcpaul]

That is a very worthwhile tour. It's good to know Mr. Maloof is in good health. He couldn't make it to our WWing student award's banquet in May
because he was sick. I think he's over 90 yo now. So much talent in those
huge hands.

If you go again, try to go as part of a WWing tour, not just the regular tour.
I went with my class 2 years ago and the WWing tour allows you the
privilege to photograph in his house. He also personally gives you a tour of
his shop and demonstrates his technique for cutting parts for his furniture.
He then walked us to his current house and gave us a tour of that as well.
After he finished, he sat down in the courtyard to autograph copies of his
book. In all, he spent an hour each with our 2 groups.

There are tons of WWing clubs in SoCal. Join up with one and encourage
them to go again if they already don't have scheduled tours.

Paul

[leehljp]

Green with envy here. One of my Japanese friends goes to San Diego once a year and teaches Japanese woodworking techniques at Palamar College. Sam attended one of Maeno's workshops there and gave him an autographed book. Two years ago, the College, with a couple of their professors brought a group of woodworkers to Japan and Maeno asked me to help with the tour of old temples in the Kyoto area, since I could speak fair Japanese, knew Kyoto and loved woodworking too.

While talking with professors, I learned that Sam was supposed to come on that trip, but changed at the last minute to attend a meeting at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

One thing I greatly admire about him is that his designs are intended to be just as functional as they are beautiful. He also is a man of character and integrity.

I know that you enjoyed that meeting and visit. It would have been one of the highlights of my life for sure.

[gary]

GREEN WITH ENVY HERE!. This post really needs a gloat warning on it! LOL

[coastalb55]

I did manage to shoot about 140 pictures during the tour. I didn't snap one of Sam because I felt that it would be a little too intrusive.

I would have really liked to have seen his shop...maybe on a future tour.

On a side note, I was pleasantly surprised to see some ceramic art work displayed in his garden done by my college girlfriend. I guess I better protect the pieces I have from her...they may be worth something some day.

[SARGE..g-47]

I've been to two of his week-end seminars given at Highland Hardware here in Atlanta over the years. If the opportunity arose, I would attend another one. Mr. Maloof is very personable, has a great sense of humor and makes sure you are clear on understanding what he said.

Frank Klaus can cut dove-tails in his sleep and with speed that is almost blinding. But.. you better pay close attention as he is always full speed ahead and it's up to you to catch it the first time as opposed to Mr. Maloof's casual, okeeee-doooky approach. :>)