While he may not be as well known as the designers who influenced him, master woodworker Michael Coffey creates tables, case pieces and other hand-carved furnishings that are wholly sculptural and characterized by striking, unexpected forms — they’re provocative statement pieces in any interior.
Born in 1928 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — where like-minded designers Paul Evans, George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell shared a studio — Coffey loved working with his hands as a child. However, a sense of youthful idealism led him to pursue a master’s degree in social group work before he endeavored to design on a full-time basis. It wasn't until 1966, at the age of 38, that he started teaching himself woodworking. Coffey was inspired by innovative artisans in the furniture-making field such as Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Wendell Castle, all of whom are credited as pioneers in the world of art furniture.
In 1972, Coffey earned his first major design commission in the form of a collection for Directional Furniture, a manufacturer that forged an enduring partnership with Paul Evans and a favorite brand of mid-century modern enthusiasts. He continued to collaborate with Directional, working in mahogany and rare Mozambique woods, and integrating abstract carving motifs in his cabinet fronts and table pedestals. Soon afterward, Coffey established a woodworking school and apprenticeships at his Vermont farm. In 1986, he moved to Massachusetts, and, in 1991, he founded a second woodworking school, this one much larger.
Coffey sold his successful Massachusetts school to his staff in 1997 in order to focus on his furniture, as his reputation and client base had grown considerably. His profile reached greater heights in 2003, when a rocking chair called Aphrodite that Coffey had designed more than two decades earlier sold at auction for nearly $50,000. The sale sparked the interest of buyers and collectors worldwide and resulted in a slew of new commissions. Today Coffey continues to make sculptural furniture with a team of woodworkers in his Massachusetts studio.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Michael Coffey tables, seating, bookcases and more.
Michael Coffey 'El Morro' Desk and 'Matador' Chair, 1974
By Michael Coffey
Located in Dallas, TX
A well documented and important work by Michael Coffey. The 'El Morro' desk was completed in 1974, shown at several exhibitions and in many publications before being sold in 1977. A...
Wood
Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Prophecy Desk and Chair c. 1960's
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare Heywood Wakefield Prophecy desk and chair. This stylish desk features a white Formica asymmetrical top, with a solid wood base. The desk has three deep storage drawers, each wit...
Formica, Wood
$52,000
H 84 in W 72 in D 18 in
Michael Coffey, "Jacob's Ladder, " Modular Bookscase, United States, 1973
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A black walnut etagere with four adjustable shelves, finished to a satin sheen. First created in Massachusetts by master craftsman Michael Coffey, and fabricated by the artist in 201...
Walnut
Michael Coffey, "Titan" Monumental Bar Cabinet, United States, 1978
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural cabinet is carved from solid, 4-inch thick Mahogany, and weighs 900 lbs. It is divided in two halves. One half is a door, which swings out on hidden hinges and concealed casters. The other half contains revolving shelves...
Mahogany
Regency Black Lacquer Desk and Chinese Chair Set Chinoiserie
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Come view this in our Canonbury Antiques showroom just north of London in Potters Bar, Herts Stunning Chinese Regency style black lacquer desk and arm chair set with a black lacquer ...
Lacquer
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 31 in W 78.75 in D 48.5 in
Michael Graves Unique Burl Maple Pedestal Vitrine Desk, 1990c.
By Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Chicago, IL
Michael Graves Unique Burl Maple Pedestal Vitrine Desk, 1990c. One-of-a-kind vitrine desk by architect and designer Michael Graves. The piece features a rectangular burl maple veneer...
Steel
$6,800 / set
H 50.79 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
A French Mid-Century Organic and Sculptural Wooden Desk and Chair
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare French organic and sculptural solid stained wood desk and chair.
Hardwood
French Kidney Shaped Hand Painted Desk and Chair 1920's
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-1072 Kidney shaped desk and matching chair with hand painting and carved detailing Brass railing and two small drawers and large center drawer. Chair...
Brass
$23,500
H 35.04 in W 47.25 in D 24.81 in
Fine French Art Deco Palisander Desk and Chair by Robert Bloch
By Athelia by Robert Bloch
Located in Long Island City, NY
Robert Bloch for Studio Athelia - A fine French Art Deco rosewood secretary desk with a flip top, four drawers, refined chrome hardware (the top can be ...
Chrome
Split Bamboo Desk & Matching Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful desk and matching chair made with split bamboo. Beautiful color and design. Unmarked. Measurements: Desk. 48.50 inches wide x 23.50 inches deep x 30.75 inches high. Knee...
Fabric, Bamboo
Michael Coffey, Ebbtide I, Wall-Mounted Cabinet, United States, 2020
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural cabinet carved in solid Mozambique. Coffey debuted this style of carving at Directional Furniture in New York, in 1972. In the 90’s he revived it, ...
Walnut
$40,000
H 84 in W 36 in D 18 in
Michael Coffey, "Jacob's Ladder, " Modular Bookcase, United States, 1973
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A black walnut étagère with four adjustable shelves, finished to a satin sheen. First created in Massachusetts by master craftsman Michael Coffey, and fabricated by the artist in 201...
Walnut
Cowboy California Ranch Style Writing Desk and Chair by Monterey
By Monterey Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Rare and sought after writing desk and chair by the great California maker, Monterey Furniture Co. circa 1930's. The desk, and chair are both structurally sound and sturdy, both show...
Wood