An exhibit of rustic Thomas Molesworth furniture is on display at the Wyoming State Museum through October 24.
The exhibit, titled, “Molesworth: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” features 28 pieces of 1930s era furniture designed by Thomas Canada Molesworth. The pieces in the exhibit are from the historic Ranch A located near Beulah in northeastern Wyoming. Three of the pieces were commissioned by former Governor Milward Simpson for his study in the Historic Governors’ Mansion.
Molesworth owned and operated the Shoshone Furniture Company from 1931 to 1961 in Cody.
In 1933, Pennsylvania publishing magnate Moses Annenberg commissioned him to furnish his large retreat Ranch A near Beulah.
Over the span of thirty years, Molesworth created hundreds, perhaps even thousands of pieces of rustic western furniture for local ranches, eastern plantations and hotels throughout Wyoming and Montana, including the TE Ranch, Eisenhower's den and the Rockefeller Ranch.
It is said that Molesworth single-handedly popularized “cowboy furniture,” or the Western style of furniture design. Molesworth’s style combines simplicity and comfort with humor and romance. He was always aware of the entire room and became well known for creating “roomscapes” full of Western and Indian motifs.
The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.
FMI: 307-777-7022.
