A New Chapter: The Hotchkiss School Edsel Ford Library

Founded in 1891, the Hotchkiss School is a private co-ed boarding school in western Connecticut. The current library was constructed in 1953 following a generous gift from the Ford family, many of whom were alumni. Designed in the Georgian style, the library features solid-oak bookcases, chandeliers, and quiet study alcoves.

In 2021, when Cory Stevens took the role of Director of the Edsel Ford Memorial Library, the interior was in need of updating. Stevens, who had long admired the craftsmanship of Thos. Moser furniture was instrumental in including the NYPL Branch Chair in the selection process, which aimed to modernize the space while preserving its timeless grandeur. She recalls, “I knew of Thos. Moser’s reputation well before this adventure – even as a child, I vividly remember the ads in The New Yorker.”

“The NYPL Chair with cushion was the clear favorite; there wasn’t even a close second choice.”

Stevens’s vision for the library’s redesign was set in motion after she attended a meeting at the New York Public Library’s Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, where she “fell in love” with Thos. Moser’s new NYPL Branch Chair. “A year and a half later, the refresh was moving forward; we made sure to include the chair for our “sit test” options for the reading room. The NYPL Chair with cushion was the clear favorite selection; there wasn’t even a close second choice,” she says.

The custom Reading Tables and NYPL Branch Chairs, upholstered in the school’s signature “Yale Blue” became the central focus of the room. At the request of the architect and school, Thos. Moser incorporated a custom reveal on the legs of the reading tables and coffee tables.  Other customizations included carving out the reading table’s center leg to conceal wire and data management in a sleek and practical way, meeting modern needs without disrupting the room’s classic aesthetic, and including a reverse bevel on the table to match the angle of the chairs allowing the chairs to fully tuck beneath the table.

Stevens was especially pleased with how the furniture complemented the existing wood in the library, which could not be easily updated. “The wood of the Thos. Moser furniture works really well—it doesn’t compete with the paneling,” she explained. She also appreciated the flexibility of the new pieces, noting that the design allowed for maximum comfort and ease of use.

The renovation was not only about aesthetic appeal but also about creating a space that could support students’ academic needs. For a long time, the central area of the library was filled with stacks. The renovation intended to restore the room to its original purpose as a full-fledged reading room and the reading tables and chairs provided additional seating in a vital academic space.

The Thos. Moser team was also mindful of the school’s student schedule, ensuring that the installation process was both timely and respectful of the library’s ongoing use.

“Do it, you’ll be so happy you did.”

Reflecting on the project, Stevens offers this advice to other institutions considering Thos. Moser for their renovations: “Do it! You’ll be so happy you did.”

The successful collaboration between Hotchkiss and Thos. Moser has revitalized the library and ensured that it remains a space where students can study and collaborate for generations to come.

Project Specifier

HGA Architects-Boston

Melissa Dickson

Michelle Miller

Products Used

Custom Reading Tables

NYPL Branch Chair with upholstered seat

Custom Coffee Table

Customization

Specified reading table dimensions

Power and data integration with outlet and light solutions

Reverse bevel on the table to match the NYPL Branch Chair

Custom metal mounting and power kit solution

Custom reveal detail on reading tables and coffee tables

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