Taylor King To Launch Upholstery Collection for George Washington's Mount Vernon

Furniture World Magazine

Taylor King Furniture announced that they will introduce, at the High Point Furniture Market, a licensed collection of upholstered furniture inspired by Mount Vernon, the historic home of the first American president, George Washington, and his wife, Martha Washington. To create the Mount Vernon collection, which will launch with more than 20 unique upholstered pieces, Taylor King collaborated with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Though historical references can be seen throughout all of the new fabrics and frame styles in the collection, the pieces are not strictly period reproductions. "While we have been inspired by items from Washington's estate to create this collection, the upholstery is styled for today's consumer, both in scale and in sophistication," commented Del Starnes, president and COO of Taylor King. Taylor King and the the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association developed the exclusive fabrics in the collection, drawing inspiration from historical items such as paintings, architectural details of the mansion and fabric samples found in the Mount Vernon archives. Starnes cited several examples of the types of inspirational cues the new collection takes from historical items in the estate. A rich tapestry fabric pays homage to a 1793 painting by William Winstanley called "View of the North River," Starnes said. One frame style includes an armless side chair from the first floor bedroom of the estate. "We are extremely excited to partner with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to create such a fine collection," Starnes said. "We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership." Founded by Ann Pamela Cunningham in 1853, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, a non-profit organization, purchased the home five years later from Washington's grand-nephew and has been working ever since to preserve this most popular historic home in America. The mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is to preserve, restore and manage the estate of George Washington to the highest standards and to educate visitors and people throughout the world about the life and legacies of George Washington, so that his example of character and leadership will continue to inform and inspire future generations. Recently, three new buildings opened on the grounds of Mount Vernon. The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, along with the Ford Orientation Center, opened in October 2006 as part of a multimillion dollar project to further educate and exhibit previously unseen Washington artifacts. The buildings feature 25 galleries and theaters that offer a comprehensive and illuminating look at the fascinating life of George Washington. Mount Vernon has been open to the public for more than 140 years and has welcomed more than 80 million visitors through its gates. For more information about George Washington's Mount Vernon, visit www.mountvernon.org. Taylor King will debut the Mount Vernon collection in its High Point showroom, located on the 2nd floor of High Point's 200 Steele Building, during the spring High Point Market (March 25 - March 31). The showroom is open 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. during spring and fall market dates. For more information about Taylor King's newest introductions, contact Rivers Agency at 888-784-8477 or e-mail publicrelations@riversagency.com. To view Taylor King's complete array of hand-crafted upholstered seating and coordinating occasional furniture, visit Taylor King online at www.taylorking.com.