Maitland-Smith launches first licensed line

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, October 24, 2011

Maitland-Smith’s new Henrietta Spencer-Churchill collection includes this Knightsbridge mahogany finished library/media cabinet with gold gilding on hand-carved accents, which retails at $24,000.

HIGH POINT — High-end case goods and accessories manufacturer Maitland-Smith is launching its first licensed collection here, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill for Maitland-Smith.

The 79-piece collection is named for the daughter of the 11th Duke of Marlborough, whose family home is in Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. She also has family ties to Diana, Princess of Wales. Spencer-Churchill made her mark in interior design, founding Woodstock Designs in 1981. The firm specializes in renovating country houses around the world. A subsidiary called Spencer-Churchill Designs makes furnishings, fabrics and wallpapers.

She has published nine books, including "Classic English Interiors" in 1992. Her books and design projects highlight the living environments of some of England's most beautiful homes, the company said.

Maitland-Smith's collection includes 47 pieces of furniture and a number of lamps and accessories. Retail prices on the furniture pieces range from $1,500 for a mahogany occasional table with an amber-finished brass gallery and accents, to $24,000 for the Knightsbridge mahogany library/media/display cabinet featuring gold gilded hand-carved accents.

The company said the collection incorporates traditional English design elements into practical and functional pieces for modern homes.

Pieces are made with quality materials ranging from mahogany veneers and feature custom brass accents, leather inlays and eglomise.

"Henrietta Spencer-Churchill is an ideal choice for our first licensed collection at Maitland-Smith," said Dan Bradley, president. "Our company roots date back 30 years to a London antiques dealer. Lady Henrietta has the same curatorial eye for classic details - she seamlessly marries European and American traditions and aesthetics."

The collection can be seen at the Maitland-Smith showroom at 1925 Eastchester Drive. Spencer-Churchill will discuss the design inspiration for the collection at a cocktail reception for dealers, designers and the media at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, in the showroom.