The idea for the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association was first conceived in 1993, born of a creative meeting of the minds among six of New Hampshire's finest furniture makers--Brian Braskie, Lenore Howe, David Lamb, Terry Moore, Jere Osgood, and William Thomas--and several dedicated members of the community: John Frisbee, Allison Banks, Jen Lucic, Mary McLaughlin and Tony Hartigan.

The artists' practice of their craft reflected a continuation of the legacy of fine furniture in the state; from the eighteenth century onward, New Hampshire craftsmen had labored in their studios, creating exceptional pieces of furniture from the woods around them. The trend toward mass production of furniture, begun in the 19th century, was threatening this indigenous art form.

The furniture makers realized that if they were to have any hope of perpetuating their craft as a full-time profession in modern society, they needed to build public awareness and cultivate an audience for their goods closer to home. And so, in July of 1995, the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association was formed.

Today, more than a decade later, the organization continues to thrive. The Association celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005 and followed up with another lively year in 2006.

The Masters are busy in their studios year round and welcome the opportunity to build commissioned pieces at any time. They also gather annually to showcase their works in a juried annual auction, an event eagerly anticipated by furniture lovers and collectors alike. The 2011 auction date is Saturday, September 10.

To learn more about individual masters, click here.