National Geographic To Unveil New Home Collection At High Point

Sweeping Collection Invites Consumers to Explore the World

WASHINGTON - The National Geographic Home Collection — home furnishings “Inspired by the World” — will unveil its latest line of furniture and home accessories — the Tanzania Collection and the British Palms Collection — at the High Point International Home Furnishings Market on Saturday, April 25. Each piece has been inspired by the cultures that National Geographic has explored and captured on film for over a century and reflects the spirit of adventure and exploration of the National Geographic brand.

Composed of over 500 items, including furniture (Lane), area rugs (Merida Meridian), lighting (Pacific Coast Lighting), home accessories (Palecek), fine wall art (Prestige Arts), wall coverings and murals (Brewster), the new collections capitalize on each company’s expertise and creativity. The collections are reminiscent of the cultures that National Geographic’s photographers have captured for over a century and also reflect the spirit of adventure and exploration behind the National Geographic brand. They offer consumers a distinctive way to enhance the beauty of their homes while celebrating the design, creativity and traditions of various world cultures.

“We are excited to build on the success of our current National Geographic Home Collection,” said Greg Roy, president of Lane Home Furnishings. “We are proud to have developed a complete furniture line with so many unique pieces that are elegant, stylish and functional.”

National Geographic is dedicated to supporting the study and conservation of world cultures. All of National Geographic’s net proceeds from the Home Collection are donated to the Society’s World Cultures Fund to help safeguard endangered cultures by supporting the work of archaeologists, cultural anthropologists, artists and other professionals working in remote corners of the planet.

“National Geographic has been celebrating world cultures and educating people about them for more than a century,” said Krista Newberry, vice president of National Geographic Licensing. “The National Geographic Home Collection gives us a new way to reach and educate people about diverse cultures and create greater global understanding.”

As with previous collections, National Geographic looked to its own archives and explorers for inspiration, drawing from the considerable cultural expertise and knowledge of National Geographic’s explorers, educators and photographers and the Society’s vast image, cartographic, rare book and private art collections.

Inspired by National Geographic’s exploration across the vibrant East African landscape, the Tanzania Collection merges the distinct influences of 18th- and early 19th-century English designs to create a line of timelessly elegant home furnishings. Rich, hand-waxed wood with antique brass embellishments, relaxed cane seating and soft leather accents transform traditional European style with the special spirit and rhythm of the savanna.

National Geographic’s new British Palms Collection evokes the casual elegance of tropical living. Warm, amber-brown hardwoods, vintage detailing and the natural textiles of the tropics lend traditional British-campaign designs a refreshing and comfortable feel. Strong, fluid lines and essential functionality combine to make a statement that is at once classic and contemporary.

About Lane Home Furnishings
Lane Home Furnishings is the largest manufacturer of motion furniture and the second largest manufacturer of recliners in the world. To learn more, visit www.lanefurniture.com. Lane Home Furnishings is a subsidiary of Furniture Brands International (NYSE:FBN), the nation’s leading residential furniture manufacturer. Additional information can be found at www.furniturebrands.com.

About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.