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Durham's Barbados makes retail debut

By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, February 18, 2007

Middletown, Md. — Gladhill Furniture hosted a launch party for Durham Furniture's retail debut of George Washington: Journey to Barbados.

The retailer teamed with Durham and the Mount Vernon Ladies Assn., the George Washington licensor, for the event, which also supported local charities.

More than 150 people attended. Gladhill offered drinks, snacks and door prizes, including a bachelor's chest from the collection.

Dennis Pogue, associate director of historic Mount Vernon, gave a seminar on the inspiration for the line, introduced in High Point last year.

"This collection offers the consumer interesting stories and points of interest to delight the senses, backed by Durham's quality assurances and the insight and historical expertise of the Mount Vernon Ladies Assn.," Pogue said. The collection was inspired by the lifestyles George Washington encountered in 1751 on his first and only journey outside the United States, to Barbados.

At the Toronto market in January, Durham received a Canadian Home Furnishings Award in the premium bedroom category for the collection.

The 17-piece bedroom group is made of solid birch and maple. Some pieces featuring cane inserts. The mid-tone finish is accentuated by subtle distressing and burnishing. Details include routed keyholes, exposed dovetails on parting rails, raised side panels and hand-hammered square walnut pegs in round holes.

"Journey to Barbados is ideal for vacation homes and lakeside properties, and supports our business in coastal regions as well," said Kay Canada, Durham's vice president of sales.

Ron Fuhrman, vice president of marketing and product development, said the group began shipping in January so that many stores could have it in time for Presidents Day, which this year is celebrated on Feb. 19.

At the retail event were representatives of four charities Gladhill supports, said Sheila Duffy Gladhill, general manager. These were Hope Alive, a homeless shelter; Hospice House, whose home Gladhill furnished; Katrina Relief Fund; and the Frederick Rescue Mission.

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Durham expands Mount Vernon program

Nov 5, 2006

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