MerleFest 2024 Sunday Artists
April 17, 2024MerleFest’s Impact
April 18, 2024American Home by Bob Timberlake Lands at the Hickory Furniture Mart!
Bob Timberlake, an icon of North Carolina's rich artistic heritage and a pioneer in the furniture industry, is making a celebrated return to the furniture industry and in the foothills, Hickory Furniture Mart. Timberlake, renowned for creating the best-selling furniture line in the history of the industry, is not only North Carolina’s seminal artist but also a visionary in integrating art with functional design. His legacy, deeply rooted in the portrayal of Southern lifestyle and landscapes through his art, extends into the realm of furniture design, where his contributions have significantly shaped consumer preferences and design trends. Now, Timberlake is set to captivate the market once again with the launch of a new Lifestyle furniture collection of wooden and upholstered pieces called, American Home by Bob Timberlake, alongside the opening of a new gallery at Hickory Furniture Mart, signaling a fresh chapter in his illustrious career. The line is being launched on April 11th at the Spring High Point Market.
Timberlake’s original furniture collections, characterized by their meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and homage to American heritage, have left an indelible mark on the furniture industry. His designs, which seamlessly blend traditional aesthetics with modern functionality, have garnered widespread acclaim, making his collections a staple in homes across the country and beyond. This lifestyle collection of case goods (wood) and upholstery is eagerly anticipated, promising to embody the same ethos of quality and timeless elegance that has become synonymous with the Timberlake brand. His team said to us, “We try to instill Bob’s quality, character, morals, values, and personal standards in each product design that will bear his name and brand.”
In conversation, Timberlake expressed, “It comes from the heart. It’s furniture from my heart.”
He is excited to collaborate with Carolina Custom Leather and Archbold Furniture to bring this vision to life. The collection, made in America by American craftsmen, is not just a continuation of Timberlake's legacy but a testament to his enduring influence in the home furnishings world.
Timberlake remarked on the line, “The leather furniture is out of sight. It’s so comfortable. I've been fortunate to work with the very best in our industry, and now we're proud to work with CCL and Archbold, integrating the quality, comfort, and style of our design. Most importantly, we're proud all our furniture is Made In America at attractive price points.”
He further shared with us an insightful perspective on the historical split between art and craft in the South following the Civil War. According to Timberlake, art found its place within museums and the homes of the affluent, distinguishing itself as a symbol of wealth and status. On the other hand, crafts were embraced by the everyday person, representing the practical and accessible side of creativity. This division persisted for a considerable period, shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
Timberlake’s work is noted for bringing art into the homes of regular people, and his furniture line is noted for bringing craft into luxurious spaces it may not have gone before. His career’s overarching theme could be said to be bringing art and craft back together, as well as celebrating the quiet culture of North Carolina.
Bob Timberlake is happy to work with designers Sharon Kepley & Sherry Sink of Master's Design, Inc. He worked with them on his previous furniture line, and feels they truly understand his unique aesthetic. We talked with both Sharon and Sherry, and they said, “What an honor for us both to have worked with Bob Timberlake earlier in our careers. They say ‘lightning never strikes the same place twice,’ but now, we are privileged to be working with Bob again on his new furniture collection. Bob Timberlake continues to be the most artistic, creative, and talented person that we have ever known. We are excited about what this new case good and upholstery collection will bring to the furniture industry.”
The opening of a new Bob Timberlake gallery at Hickory Furniture Mart is an event of significant importance, not only for aficionados of Timberlake’s art and furniture but for the broader community of designers, collectors, and homeowners. As furniture representatives from other companies used to tell Timberlake, “A rising tide lifts all the boats.” This new gallery is poised to become a vibrant showcase of Timberlake’s journey as an artist and designer, offering visitors an immersive experience into his creative world. The 5,000 square foot space will not only feature pieces from his new leather furniture line but also selections of his original artwork. The gallery aims to create a space where art and design converge, reflecting Timberlake’s philosophy that beauty and functionality can coexist harmoniously in everyday objects.
Bob Timberlake’s return to Hickory Furniture Mart marks a significant moment for the city, reinforcing its status as a hub of innovation and quality in the furniture industry. His decision to open a gallery here is a nod to the region’s rich history in furniture manufacturing and its role in nurturing talent within the industry. Timberlake’s enduring commitment to excellence and his deep roots in North Carolina’s artistic and cultural landscape make this venture not just a business endeavor but a contribution to the state’s legacy in art and design.
As Timberlake embarks on this new chapter, the anticipation and excitement among his loyal following and the industry at large are palpable. This new Lifestyle furniture collection, coupled with the opening of his gallery, is set to redefine standards of luxury, comfort, and aesthetic appeal in the furniture market. Through his innovative designs and artistic vision, Bob Timberlake continues to inspire, influence, and shape the world of art and furniture design, ensuring his place not just as North Carolina’s seminal artist but as a global icon in design and craftsmanship.