BAKER NEWS

April 2009
NEW BAKER FORMS EXPAND THE STATELY HOMES COLLECTION

CHICAGO (April 25, 2009) - Baker, a premier manufacturer and designer of fine home furnishings introduced four new designs to its prestigious Stately Homes Collection. Baker hand selected some of the finest forms from the collection's extensive archives to join its best in class Stately Homes repertoire. Unveiled at the Spring 2009 International Home Furnishings Market were an Irish Puca Table, Leather Center Table, Sofa Table, and Queen Anne Chest. Impeccably crafted by Baker, the new designs represent some of the most regal pieces of the collection's history found in some of Europe's most revered stately homes.

Sir Humphry Wakefield, Baronet and owner of the 800-year-old Chillingham Castle, and foremost authority on English antiques, continues to guide Baker in its choices. Sir Humphry has personally selected unique and engaging items from the castles and country estates of the British peerage, which are still used every day by their aristocratic owners. Each rendering within the collection showcases the original designs of some of the greatest minds of the golden age of furniture.

Through Baker's relationship with Sir Humphry, and its ability to faithfully replicate pieces employing the elements of Old World craftsmanship, Stately Homes made its commercial debut in 1981. Baker has added to the collection over the years, creating a repository of works as diverse as the lifestyles with which these items are associated. The designs hearken from such romantic locations as Floors Castle, Horwick Hall, Moore Abbey and Longleat House, reinforcing Baker's important traditional category with exquisite furniture rarely seen in today's marketplace.

The pieces are true to the original designs, crafted from mahogany and walnut solids and decorated in a rich display of Mozambique, macassar ebony, and French walnut veneer work. Baker exclusive Aged Mahogany, Faded Mahogany and Antique Walnut finishes grace the designs with textural crackle, warm leather, touches of gilt, and brilliant brass appointments used to decorate the pieces.

From Longleat House comes a Leather Center Table exquisitely handcrafted from mahogany solids and finished in warm Aged Mahogany. The octagonal leather top is tooled in gold and bordered in quarter-cut Mozambique veneers. The surrounding apron houses eight drawers fitted with brass knobs and working key holes finished in Opus. The top rests on four partially gilt and molded saber legs that terminate to brass toe caps and casters.

A rare Irish Rococo carved mahogany Puca Table was also introduced this Market hailing from Moore Abbey. The table is crafted from mahogany and features a superb demi-lune shaped top laid with a hand-painted faux black marble top veined in gold and random scattered bronze patterning. An elaborate frieze pierced with scrolls rests above three shaped cabriole legs finished in figured maple veneers. The legs are carved on the knees with grimacing leprechaun masks and terminate to distinctive claw and ball feet.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company, Ann Sacks tile, stone and plumbing company, Kallista plumbing, and Mark David hospitality furniture, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America's oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.