Thomas C. Molesworth
1890-1977
The natural beauty and the vast open spaces of the West have always attracted the most adventurous souls. The American cowboy and the Native American Indians exemplify the West; both project simple, yet strong and powerful images. In the early to mid-1900s, cowboy furniture was nothing more than furniture made by cowboys for ranches. The furniture was sturdy and strong, yet relatively primitive and simple.
In the 1930s one man had a vision to bring out the best of what was at the time a very crude craft. Inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement, Thomas Canada Molesworth (1890-1977) began making furniture, experimenting with indigenous burls, leathers, antlers, Indian weavings and different cowboy and Indian artifacts. From his attention to detail and creative craftsmanship, a new style and quality of furniture emerged that captured the romantic myth of the West. Easterners, fresh from their dude ranch experiences, were looking to bring part of the spirit of the West home with them. They eagerly purchased these strong, elegant and sometimes whimsical Western furnishings, fashionable in the most sophisticated of homes.
My granddad, Thomas Canada Molesworth owned Shoshone Furniture Company, along with my grandmother, LaVerne Johnston Molesworth, from 1931 to 1961 in Cody, Wyoming. My grandmother was an intricate part of this company. Some of her contributions included the designing and making of all the drapes, curtains and bedspreads; and keeping all the books for the company. Together my grandparents created the furnishings that brought the outdoors into the home; the bold and colorful style that is unmistakably Molesworth.
Today, Thomas Molesworth's furniture is highly sought after by Western art enthusiasts, having gained in popularity after the exhibition "Interior West: The Craft and Style of Thomas Molesworth", in June of 1989 at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming and March of 1990 at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum in Los Angeles, California. Both of these fine museums have purchased Molesworth furniture, which remain in their permanent collections. One of his largest commissions, furnishings from "The Old Lodge" in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, circa 1935, proved to be a very successful auction at Christie's in New York in June of 1995; thus allowing many people to add to their Molesworth collections, and providing many new collectors with their first Molesworth original.
Thomas C. Molesworth became the legendary designer and craftsman who defined a new style with his world-class Western furnishings. There was only one Thomas C. Molesworth. I am proud to say he was my granddad.
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