When Tom began creating furniture in the 1980s, he did so from an
overpowering desire to build with his hands. He had no defined
direction or goal to create a business, initially, his admiration for
wood and time-honored joinery techniques were his compass points. He
was motivated purely by desire and fulfillment he derived from the work
itself. Thirty-five years later, Tom's desires are still the guiding force
behind our Oconomowoc-based company. The focus on the magical union of
the hand and the wood is the heart of the furniture’s appeal. In a rare
successful convergence of craft and commerce, Tom and I have created a small business that both celebrates artistic precision and
produces a favorably marketable product.
Thomas William Furniture's genuine beauty, ageless design and handcrafted in select American
hardwoods, with a few select exotic, sustainably harvested and milled
add to the exquisiteness of each piece. The company employs two people,
Tom, the furniture maker in a 900-square-foot workshop and me, Linda, in marketing, administration and other duties as assigned :-). The
importance of Fine Art/Craft shows, combined with working with
galleries, interiors designers as well as marketing and selling on
social media. Our furniture really benefits from being seen and felt. Fine Art/Craft shows have significant rewards in terms
of converting people who like our product into customers; however, in the years we have been doing Fine Art/Craft shows, there is change in the wind. Our Collection is being purchased online. Click here to check out the 2019 Collection.
I feel the furniture’s "modern with a traditional flair" is integral to
its appeal. Each piece is handmade by Tom, start to finish, including name plate and signature. The human element adds significant value to the products; furniture created by hand has value. People today care about where
their purchases come from, how they were made, what their dollars are
supporting. The shop utilizes limited technology; Thomas
William Furniture is balancing craft and technology and Tom's eyes are
focused on the details. We believe that people are looking
for things that are made in America, by
people who work with their hearts as well as with their hands.
Click here to view new work!