Furniture Supplier Theodore Alexander announced that Charles Spencer, the ninth Earl, captivated audiences during his five-day whirlwind tour through six states and one Canadian province visiting select Theodore Alexander retailers.
Beginning on September 8, the ten-store tour included stops at Richard Honquest Fine Furnishings in Barrington, IL; McGannon Showrooms in Dallas, TX; Louis Shanks in San Antonio, TX; Sherrill Collection in Chicago, IL; King's Home Furnishings in Atlanta, GA; Birmingham Wholesale Furniture in Birmingham, AL; Willis Furniture in Virginia Beach, VA; Colony House in Arlington, VA; ABC Carpet & Home in New York, NY; and Design Louis George in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Each chosen retailer has extensive displays of the Althorp Living History collection from Theodore Alexander.
Earl Spencer’s goal for the collection and tour is to raise funds to continue the restoration of the Althorp estate, one of England’s oldest and most impressive country houses and home to the Spencer family. Nineteen consecutive generations of the Spencer family have resided at Althorp, including the current occupants—the Earl and his six children.
Hundreds of guests attended the invitation-only retail events, during which time Earl Spencer graciously posed for photographs, gave autographs, and signed actual pieces of the collection. He autographed furniture under chair seats, inside cabinets, and on lamp bases and also personalized many pieces for buyers. Earl Spencer also told anecdotes about the collections, giving the history of pieces in the line, and shared stories about the home and its history. He noted that his favorite piece in the collection is the Washington Chest, where he personally stores his cricket gear.
Althorp Living History has grown to 450 pieces and is carried in more than 150 stores around the world.
“It is a timeless collection of heirloom pieces,” said David Koehler, of Theodore Alexander, North America. “It was evident by the sales at each event that consumers across North America appreciate the historic designs and the unique stories behind each piece.”
Retailers enjoyed brisk business and local media attention for the events where Earl Spencer shared his love and passion for Althorp, which he sees as his legacy. The two-to-three year renovation of the 60,000-square foot home includes replacing the roof and repairing the 225-year-old exterior tiles.
About Theodore Alexander
Theodore Alexander is renowned for unmatched craftsmanship, exquisite finishes and extraordinary design. Covering a diversity of periods and styles, their collections encompass thousands of unique lighting, home accents, case goods, and upholstered furnishings. Theodore Alexander and its licensed Althorp Living History Collection are available throughout the world at fine furniture galleries and design centers. For more information, please visit www.theodorealexander.com.