Habersham plans Hearst line
Lavish California mansion inspires furniture
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, February 18, 2008
Toccoa, Ga. — Habersham will introduce a licensed collection this spring based on the opulent California home of the late media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
The case goods company, known for its hand-painted and hand-finished furniture, will launch the Hearst Castle Collection from Habersham at the April High Point Market. More than 25 pieces will be offered, ranging from grand-scale case goods to elegant accent furnishings.
Hearst Castle was once the home of publisher William Randolph Hearst and now is a California state park. Habersham said the Castle was one of the most spirited and long-lasting architectural and interior design projects in American history. Hearst collaborated with Julia Morgan, the first prominent woman architect in America, for 28 years on the 165-room home, which is on a 250,000-acre estate.
"The architectural beauty, art and antiquities of Hearst Castle have been a true source of awe and inspiration for our design team," said Joyce Eddy, chairman and founder of Habersham. "With this new collection, we've worked to create furniture in keeping with the amazing, creative vision of Hearst and Morgan — grand designs that cater to today's casually elegant lifestyle."
Among the pieces are a grand bookcase and breakfront inspired by the Castle's frieze molding; a console table featuring a meticulous veneer inlay reminiscent of a richly detailed table in the building's Gothic study — which was Hearst's private library and office — and a sideboard display cabinet inspired by a Gothic hall chest.
Habersham's design team worked with the Castle's curators, reviewing countless architectural renderings and exploring rooms designed around copious art and antiques. The estate also has 127 acres of terraced sculpture gardens and two elaborate swimming pools.
"We felt that Habersham was the ideal manufacturer to represent the Hearst Castle Collection's furniture category," said Hoyt Fields, Hearst Castle museum director. "The hand-styled finishes and meticulous detailing of Habersham's grand-scale designs and accent furnishings truly reflect the legendary style, sophistication and spirit of the Castle and offer the perfect complement to the other artisan-quality home accents in the growing collection."
In addition to his newspaper publishing, Hearst (1863–1951) was a movie producer and voracious collector. Pioneering architect Julia Morgan (1872–1957) designed more than 700 buildings.
Other Hearst Castle Collection licensees include The Art Group, Austin Sculpture, Castilian, Pindler & Pindler, Minka, Tilevera and Soko.
Habersham also produces goods in three other licensed lines: Claude Monet, Biltmore Estate and Plaza Hotel.
