April 2002
The Thomas Pheasant Collection - A New Vocabulary in Traditional Design

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Baker, premier manufacturer of fine furniture, unveiled The Thomas Pheasant Collection by world-renowned, multi-disciplined designer, Thomas Pheasant, at the Spring 2002 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C.

The designs by Washington, D.C.-based Thomas Pheasant reflect a new traditionalism. His inspiration combines classic forms, modernistic touches, and visual relief based in Greek, Chinese, and Italian architectural elements. Each piece is crafted from highly figured mahogany, and finished in a rich, glossy brown hue. An inspired complement of white ash burl, touches of gilding, carved reeded accents, Greek key-inspired motifs and Pheasant's signature castle design, and a series of gesso finishes balance the offerings. Each piece is testimony to Pheasant's sense of individuality, and appreciation for symmetry, form, and scale.

The Thomas Pheasant Collection is a multifaceted collection line that includes a mix of living, dining, and bedroom pieces, occasional chairs, cocktail and occasional tables, upholstered pieces, accessories, and textiles. The forms are refined, with each decorative element chosen for its classic complement. Lighting, urns, bowls, and other accessories were handpicked for quality and functionality. Textiles were selected for a textural versatility to support the breadth of the collection.

"Baker has always embraced its traditional collections - it is the foundation upon which Baker furniture was built," said Rachel D. Kohler, group president - Interiors. "In Thomas Pheasant we found the means to explore traditionalism from a different angle. Pheasant has a pared down approach to traditional design, which delights on many levels. The forms he designed for Baker reflect that sensitivity. Each piece has its own innate sense of style, with a functionality and versatility to speak to many audiences."

Pheasant explained, "When I first approached the collection, I wanted to add to Baker's rich history pieces that reflected traditional elements, but more importantly pieces that would build interiors. I did not want these forms locked into suites of furniture, nor did I want to simply reproduce past design. By melding historical references with modernistic influences, the collection takes the next step by creating a new vocabulary in traditional design."

With this in mind, Baker created Sable, a singular, glossy new finish to complement Thomas Pheasant's designs. The classic mahogany tones of Sable lend tangible warmth to the highly figured, swirl mahogany wood. This hand-colored finish has a rich brown hue, embellished with deep undertones and golden highlights. Using several layers of color, then hand-rubbed to a high gloss, the finish pulses with three-dimensional depth. Sable's rich canvas serves as the perfect backdrop to the white-ash Honey Burl chosen to enhance select pieces from the collection. Rounding out the choices is Baker's Antique Crackle finish, using a time-honored, gesso technique. Textural and expressive, these finishes are offered in antique ivory, red mahogany lacquer laced with black undertones, and ebony espresso.

Antique bronze knobs are the predominant choice for this collection. The subtle hardware reflects the understated aesthetic of the line. A bronze back plate with beaded accents, has been used in tandem with the knobs on select pieces within the collection. Antique brass pulls and brass casters have also been employed in a few of Pheasant's designs.

Pheasant's work within the private sector helped lay the foundation for these designs. "My link to the high-end consumer base grounds the collection by featuring designs that offer consumers flexible choices and the ability to create a personal, relaxing atmosphere," said Pheasant. "The intriguing mix of scale, style, and finish options provide the forms with a stand alone quality, yet has a versatility to work well with existing decors."

Pheasant's design career has spanned over 20 years. In addition to his widely acclaimed private projects and commercial assignments, and as the head of a successful interior design studio established in 1980, Pheasant adds to his repertoire of accomplishments the fine art of furniture making. Intrigued by forms that offer simplicity and refinement, with a meticulous eye and attention to detail, Pheasant's work holds within it an intricacy and craftsmanship that has made this partnership with Baker mutually rewarding.

One such example of Pheasant's marriage of past and present design can be found in the Georgian Armoire, a tribute to the Georgian architecture that sculpts the Washington, D.C. cityscape - Pheasant's lifelong home. The Georgian Armoire is simple in style with understated cornice and simple plinth base. What draws the eye is the positive/negative effect created by a series of staggered faux drawer fronts of swirl mahogany. This play of shadow and light is broken with a touch of decorative relief in the placement of simple brass knobs continuing the illusion of drawers. When the upper cabinet pocket doors are opened, it exposes one fixed and one adjustable shelf and cutout back to accommodate a 27-inch television set and lower area to hold electronic devices. The lower cabinet has one adjustable shelf for discreet storage.

Thomas Pheasant refers to his Tufted Classic Side Chair as the collection's "little black dress," and speaks to the stand-alone quality of the collection pieces. The form's classic sensibility mixes comfortably within traditional and contemporary settings. Its sleek, sculpted back is decorated with a gothic-inspired, tufted design. The deep, tight upholstered seat rests above tapered front and saber back legs. Lending just a touch of jewelry to its haute couture design, the chair's back is fitted with a single, antique bronze ring pull.

Pheasant's Tassel Bench is another occasional form designed to pique interest. Its sleek, Greek-inspired, saddle seat is flanked by curved, tapered legs that are joined by a unique, silk braided rope stretcher that carries through the base, then tied to fashion a cascading, silk tassel. It is offered in Baker's Antique Crackle Finish in ivory, lacquer, or espresso.

Dramatic and accommodating, the Greek Coffee Table is a completely lacquered form, which uses the classic Greek key motif as its base, yet is unmistakably influenced by Chinese design. The table is offered in creamy ivory, rich lacquer, or deep espresso Antique Crackle finish. Its generous size and gesso finish creates an exotic, yet forgiving tabletop design. Unencumbered by decorative elements beyond its form and rich coloring, it is fitted with one shallow drawer that opens by a discreet finger pull located under the table for life's incidentals.

A crowning achievement to The Thomas Pheasant Collection is the Single Scroll Pedestal Dining Table. Neoclassic in its design, the tabletop comes alive in a fiery display of swirl mahogany. The turned single pedestal base features an inverted taper that culminates in a carved reeded detail accented by upper and lower bands of gilt, and rest above volute feet.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. include Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company and Ann Sacks, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.

Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.