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Bernhardt and Smithsonian Introduce “Chesapeake”: New Branded Furniture for the Whole Home
Statesman Arm Chair
LENOIR, NC, April 7, 2008 — Bernhardt Furniture Company and the Smithsonian Institution bring classic 19th-century American design and character to the fore this spring with the introduction of Chesapeake, a new branded furniture series in the Smithsonian® Collection by Bernhardt.
Individual pieces within the Chesapeake series are closely tied to the Smithsonian’s vast holdings, which include some of America’s most treasured objects and some of the most significant collections of art and history.
According to Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ studies, approximately 32 percent of Americans today choose a traditional style of decorating above all others.World-renowned color and design expert, Leatrice Eiseman predicts that a simply elegant decorating style combining traditional and fresh modern touches will continue to increase in American interiors.
“People are looking for a real connection with their home furnishings,” said Heather Eidenmiller, Bernhardt director of brand development. “That includes furniture which suggests a history.”
“Chesapeake—in fact the entire Smithsonian Collection by Bernhardt—personifies history, craftsmanship, and classic grace. Creative accent pieces with strong silhouettes make it possible to add excitement while maintaining a cohesive and classic design approach,” Eidenmiller said.
The ongoing Smithsonian furniture line is a collaborative effort linking two highly respected brands. The Smithsonian brand is unparalleled, ranked #1 for quality and trust among all brands in the Harris 2003 EquiTrend Brand study, and with 94 percent brand recognition among adult Americans. Bernhardt Furniture, established more than 100 years ago, is known nationwide for its quality and fine craftsmanship.
The new Chesapeake series offers 54 skus for dining room, living room, and home office environments. The furniture is casual-traditional in nature and moderate in scale. Chesapeake is presented in prima vera veneers with an Heirloom Russet finish, ebony inlays, and selective quartered walnut and lively white ash burl. Accent pieces are offered in a Vintage Black finish. Scalloped edges, flowing scrollwork, turned posts, and subtle shaping bring movement and definition to the entire grouping. Creative embellishments include faux bamboo. Solid brass hardware with an oiled bronze finish is inspired by the original door knobs of the Smithsonian “Castle,” the first Smithsonian building in Washington, D.C.
Chesapeake introductions include:
Continental Dining Table
(with detail)
Continental Dining Table 307/222. This beautiful dining table is inspired by a Smithsonian Castle Collection library table, c.1885-1900, that was acquired in Philadelphia. The original has acanthus leaf carved and turned legs that attach to a trestle with an elaborate vase finial. The table apron and tops of the legs are embellished with gadrooning, a Classical element consisting of a series of repeating convex lobes. The Continental Dining Table incorporates many of the original leg and apron elements with a grandsized, simple designed top. The smooth top surface shows off handcrafted, handfinished, fancy face prima vera veneers, and borders of quartered walnut with black inlines alongside white ash burl. Two fancy face 20-inch leaves with same veneer. W72 (expands to 112) D46 H30.
Statesman ArmChair 307/556. Inspired by a Smithsonian Castle Collection side chair that was owned by Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869), Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln (1862-1865) and President Andrew Johnson (1865-1868). The original American Empire side chair has carved volutes framing the crest and spiral carved turned front legs. The Statesman Arm Chair incorporates many of the original elements into this strong silhouette, adding a double curved arm and vertical carved backsplat. The upholstered slip seat has a single welt.W23.5 D24.5 H39.
Chesapeake is built to earth-friendly environmental standards. The substrate wood species is rubber wood—harvested, replanted, and sustainable. Reduced VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the finish system limits pollutants during production. Packaging is 100% recyclable and designed to maximize transport capacity. Catalogs are printed entirely on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) papers.
The Smithsonian Collection by Bernhardt debuted in March 2007 with two initial design series for the whole home: National Heritage, a formal selection of pieces developed from the collections of the Smithsonian and influenced by 19th century Regency and Empire designs, in figured walnut and white ash burl veneers; and American Archive, classic American designs with Southern, low country influences, with unique pieces developed from the Smithsonian collections, in pin knotty cherry veneers.
The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846, is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization composed of 17 museums and the National Zoo inWashington, D.C., and two museums in New York City. The Smithsonian collections are the basis for research, exhibitions, and public programs in the arts, history, and the sciences. The collections contain nearly 137 million objects, works of art, and specimens. In 2007,more than 24 million people visited Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo; there were more than 188 million visits to www.si.edu.
The Bernhardt family has been crafting fine furniture since 1889. Located in Western North Carolina, the company produces a broad line of custom-built upholstered furniture in both contemporary and traditional styles, as well as quality wood furniture for dining, living, and bedroom—all at unmatched value in the marketplace.
Chesapeake will be available to consumers in October 2008. A portion of the sales proceeds from this furniture line supports the educational mission of the Smithsonian Institution.