October 2004
BAKER EXPANDS THE THOMAS PHEASANT COLLECTION
Thomas Pheasant Explores New Materials, Finish, and Form for Latest Baker Designs

CHICAGO (October 14, 2004) - Baker, a leading manufacturer of fine furniture, collaborated with internationally renowned, Washington, D.C.-based designer, Thomas Pheasant, to expand upon his highly acclaimed collection for Baker. Introduced at the Fall 2004 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., the new designs for The Thomas Pheasant Collection include living room, dining room and bedroom items, upholstery pieces, a series of occasional tables, including a game table and a writing table, two armoires, and an etagere. In addition to his furniture designs, Pheasant designed an array of new lighting and accessories, including an exclusive series of black and white, framed photography by Pheasant. New fabrics, leather, pillows and a wool throw, all in fresh colorways, were added to his textile and softgoods programs for Baker.

Based on form, scale, and symmetry, hallmarks synonymous with Pheasant design, Pheasant incorporated fresh, decorative elements to evolve the collection, broadening its scope and appeal. Custom choices, such as stone, gilt, glass, mirror and finish options, were employed to build on the collection's vocabulary. Every aspect, from furniture, to lighting and accessories, to textiles and softgoods, were thoughtfully selected, breaking new ground, yet maintaining the integrity and individualistic philosophy that resonates throughout Pheasant's private and commercial works.

A lifelong student of classic design, Pheasant travels extensively throughout Europe and the United States, gaining inspiration at every turn. A sketchbook always in hand, Pheasant chronicles that which intrigues him - a conceptual reflection pool of past moments for future possibilities. A familiar figure at Paris flea markets and antique shops, his designs also reflect the architecture and gardens of his Washington, D.C. home and his travels throughout Europe.

Taking his cue from early American designers, Pheasant distills the pomp and circumstance of European design, leaving the pure, classic form as his canvas, exploring ways to enhance but not overwhelm the designs. "Many 18th and 19th century American designers were not only limited by available materials, but by the very capital in which to purchase rare woods and exotic or precious accent metals," said Pheasant. "Designers began to move away from the heavier aspects found in the designs made popular by such extraordinary talents as Robert Adam. It was this ability to not copy, but capture the essence of the romantic, familiar forms, and infusing it with newness and personal style, that I have always found compelling. Works by such artists as Andre Arbus, and other prolific designers, continued to change the course of design by opening up new ways of expression. I consciously bring this same philosophy, this footprint, to my designs."

Mahogany remains the wood of choice for the collection. Pheasant finds mahogany the perfect vehicle for the wood pieces. "Mahogany has an expressive character - naturally," said Pheasant. "Its dramatic figuring and shading harmonizes beautifully with other wood species and painted pieces."

To complement the collection's signature Sable finish, Baker brings a lightly glazed Ivory finish to The Thomas Pheasant Collection. Its clean, creamy tones have a slightly weathered appeal with its only distressing a gentle straied effect created by the hand applied brush strokes lending texture and depth.

Pheasant introduced glass, limestone, and mirror to the collection, and a new gilt finish, for the delicate, fretwork-inspired pieces. The antique look is achieved by applying a bright gold coat over a deep, reddish clay undercoat. A random, slight distressing lets the reddish undercoat peek through the gold lending character and depth.

An exceptional piece, referred to by Pheasant as "one of the stars of the collection," the Gallery Cocktail Table, marries gilt with stone and mirror custom options for personalized appeal. The 42-inch round crystal clear glass top rests on a gilt circular base and stylized, slightly tapered and curved gilt legs. Its unique apron, finished in gilt, is an abstract fretwork design based on a carpet by 20th century artist, Andre Arbus. The single, lower shelf is offered in mirror or limestone.

Referencing the past is an important facet in many of Pheasant's designs. This is beautifully apparent in a sculptural dining chair that pays homage to one of Pheasant's signature details - the Greek key motif - an element used throughout The Thomas Pheasant Collection. This familiar, yet classic form is framed out in solid hardwood. The carved frame surrounds the curved, upholstered back detailed in nail head trim, wraps around the set-in, upholstered seat, and rests on tapered, curved legs.

Pheasant also lent significant thought to his new upholstered designs. The upholstery is sleek and stylized, with minimal welting. He also chose to characterize a few of the pieces by offering it standard in elegant, Antique Brass nailhead trim. Exposed wood legs can be custom finished in any of Baker's 17 Upholstery finishes. Remarking on the grand designs from the past, Pheasant takes an edited approach to traditional styling. Pieces move from tight upholstered to deeply tufted forms. Many of the pieces incorporate Pheasant's signature castle and Greek key motifs.

The Villa series of sofa, loveseat and complementing chair and ottoman are testimony to Pheasant's ability to design sleek, stylized forms that are comfortable and welcoming. The three-cushion sofa and two-cushion loveseat feature tight upholstered, rolled back designs that sweep into rolled, cutaway arms. The Baker Crown Duralux seat cushions are fitted with two Ultra Sofa kidney pillows for support. The tapered, straight front and saber back maple legs are finished in Pheasant's signature Sable finish. Another of his tailored designs, the Moderne Wing Chair, also reflects Pheasant's passion for sculptural form, yet says it in soft sophistication. The chair beckons with its deep tufted, back that wraps around the sides of its loose, four-inch boxed upholstered seat, and rests on sleek, tapered legs.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes 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.