Palecek A Natural Fit For National Geographic

Furniture World Magazine

Palecek is one of eight licensees for the National Geographic Home Collection to be unveiled at October High Point market Allan Palecek is a global explorer of sorts. Since founding the Furniture, lighting and decorative accessories company bearing his name in 1975, the former U.S. Air Force pilot has scoured the world to find hand-crafted designs made from natural materials. So when the National Geographic Home Collection is unveiled this October in High Point it’s only natural it will include Palecek’s line of over 100 licensed hand-crafted decorative accessories and accent furniture. “The National Geographic Home Collection is inspired by the many cultures and environments of the world recorded by the National Geographic Society’s explorers. These collections reflect global travel and cultural exploration,” says Allan Palecek. As an explorer of world cultures himself, Allan Palecek is pleased to be part of this new collection. “Our expertise in decorative accessories that are inspired by global culture makes Palecek a natural partner for National Geographic.” The National Geographic Home Collection net proceeds go to the World Cultures Fund created to support the work of archaeologists, cultural anthropologists, and artists. The World Cultures Fund will support a wide array of initiatives including expeditions to reveal and share the unique stories of people around the globe. The National Geographic Home Collection will provide the consumer with new ways to furnish their living spaces from top to bottom. Each design is inspired by an authentic cultural story, creating a collection that helps tell stories about the world. National Geographic Home represents one of the largest home collections everconceived, designed, produced and introduced at one launch. Each of the eight licensees has contributed their respective talents and areas of expertise to the project, creating a unique collection that reflects the sense of global exploration consistent with the National Geographic image. According to John Dumbacher, Senior Vice President of Licensing for National Geographic, “This collection was inspired by our own explorers’ personal residences and their world travels as well as our rare book collection, a century of rare cartographic art, and National Geographic’s photographic archives, helping us develop this eclectic collection.” Palecek’s offerings will blend easily with the designs from the other licensees, yet be strong enough to be its own element in a room. Other licensees include: Lane Home Furnishings, furniture; Toyo, hand-painted decorative accessories; Sferra Bros., bedding textiles, table linen, pillows and throws; Wildwood, lighting mirrors and wall screens; Zrike, ceramic tabletop and glassware; RJS, candles, silver and stainless gift sets and iPhotoart, photographic prints. A Natural Partnership “Palecek and National Geographic share a common mission of promoting conservation,” notes Allan Palecek. Palecek uses fast growing, renewable resources such as rattan, abaca, seagrass, willow and bamboo in creating unique hand-crafted furniture and accessories. Used for centuries, these natural materials have been transformed into practical products for people around the world. Palecek encourages the use of non-toxic processing such as water-based paints, as well as best practices in the work environment. The company also uses only plantation grown woods that do not deplete forests and is a major contributor to the reforestation project in the Philippines helping to plant more than one million trees. “We also contribute to villages around the world by offering needed jobs that allow artisans to do the crafts and arts they enjoy – thereby preserving these skills and the local culture,” says Allan Palecek. The company supports and promotes the art of weaving, carving and other skills passed on from generation to generation – art forms that represent the cultural heritage and identity of peoples throughout the world. Through its success in the industry in creating new appreciation and respect for hand-crafted product, Palecek has fostered the continuation of many unique art forms by successfully marketing these designs and bringing them to the consumer. “When Palecek brings a product to market, it arrives as a symbol of the unique creative partnerships involving people and materials that span the globe,” says Allan Palecek. About National Geographic The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research and education. Founded in 1888 for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge, National Geographic reflects the world through magazines, television programs, books, videos, maps, interactive media and merchandise. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine, the Society’s official journal, published in 20 languages, is read by 40 million people each month in every country in the world. The National Geographic Channel reaches more than 200 million households in 25 languages in 145 countries. Nationalgeographic.com averages around 44 million page views per month. National Geographic has funded over 7,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. All National Geographic net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs. National Geographic Enterprises includes licensing, a catalog business, online commerce and retail. These units oversee the merchandise related to the National Geographic brand worldwide. To learn more about National Geographic products, log on to www.shopng.com. To learn more about National Geographic, log on to www.nationalgeographic.com, AOL Keyword: NatGeo. About Palecek Based in Richmond, Calif., Palecek is a full line manufacturer of quality designer furniture, lighting, accessories and contract furniture. Founded by its president, Allan H. Palecek, the company uses a network of craftsmen and artisans from around the world to create unique pieces for the home from natural materials. Palecek has permanent, to the trade only showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Kansas City, and, Denver, as well as a market only showroom in High Point. www.palecek.com