Michael Coffey

Michael Coffey blurred the line between carpenter and sculptor. A self-taught master with a career of over sixty years, Coffey consistently broke the boundaries of style and functionality in the decorative arts.

Born and raised in New York City, Coffey initially served as a social worker before pursuing art seriously in 1972. He taught himself theory and practice, and took inspiration from icons like Wendell Castle, Walker Reed, George Nakashima, Sam Maloof, and others.

In 1978, Coffey first presented his Aphrodite rocking chair, a monumental curved wood form that excited the market and launched his reputation for creativity and skill on a grand scale.

That piece, like all of his work, stresses the relationship shared by people with their furniture. Coffey considered himself an artist, but drew a distinction between impersonal visual arts and furnishings. It was important for him that his creations be used.

For Coffey, defying expectations has been an important aspect of producing work. Eschewing symmetry in his designs, he preferred to carve hollows and rounded shapes which people can fill. To Coffey’s eye, a piece which is perfectly symmetrical is overly “quiet,” and does nothing to arouse questions or feelings in the mind of the viewer.

Michael Coffey passed away in 2024.  His works are in museum and private collections worldwide, and his legacy in the annals of American studio craft furniture is well established. Ever thoughtful and prudent, he made preparations so that his designs could continue to be produced by his studio team with uncompromised craftsmanship and care. 

For a look into Michael Coffey's artistic process, please click here.

American Fine Art Fair, Palm Beach, FL 2012; Design Miami/Basel, Switzerland 2011; Design Miami, Miami, FL 2010 & ­11; International Contemporary Furniture Fair, NYC 2011; SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL 2011; Pavilion of Art and Design, NYC 2011; Paris, France 2011; London, England 2009 & ­11; Wright 20, Modern Design, Chicago, III. 2006 & 09; Solo/Rago, Lambertsville, N.J. 2006­ & 08; Christie's 20th Century Art & Decorative Design, New York, NY ­ 2005­ & 06; Sotheby's, Important 20th Century Design, New York, NY ­ 2003 & 06; Rago Arts and Auction Center, Lambertsville, NJ ­ 2002­ & 07; Philadelphia Furniture Show, Philadelphia, PA ­ 1995 & ­96; Crafts Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA ­ 1993; Crafts Park Avenue, The Armory, New York, NY ­ 1992 & ­95; Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA ­ 1991; ACC Craft Fair, Baltimore, MD ­ 1989­ & 93; American Craft at the Armory, New York, NY ­ 1987­ & 91; Stratton Arts Festival, Stratton, VT 1979, 1983­ & 84; ACC Craft Fair, W. Springfield, MA ­ 1984 & ­90; Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE ­ 1976 & 83; Northeast Craft Fair at Rhinebeck, NY ­ 1976 & ­83; Bennington Art Museum, Bennington, VT ­ 1982; Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, SC ­ 1982; St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO ­ 1982; Schenectady Museum, Schenectady, NY ­ 1982l; Brockton Art Museum, Brockton, MA ­ 1981; League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Manchester, NH ­ 1978 & 81; Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, MA ­ 1981; Cooper Hewitt Museum, New York, NY ­ 1980; Philadelphia Craft Show, Philadelphia, PA ­ 1980; International Craft Show, Coliseum, New York, NY ­ 1979; Museum of Contemporary Crafts, New York, NY ­ 1979; Newport Art Association, Newport, RI ­ 1979; J. M. Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI ­ 1978; Marietta College Crafts National, Marietta, OH ­ 1975­78; Designer Craftsmen Guild, Fort Wayne, IN ­ 1976; Artist Craftsmen of New York, NY ­ 1967–74; American Crafts Council, New York, NY ­ 1972­73; Worcester Craft Center, Worcester, MA ­ 1972­73; University Art Gallery, SUNY at Binghamton, NY ­ 1971; Stamford Museum, Stamford, CT ­ 1970.