by The first collection of about 10 upholstery frames is now in its conceptual stage and will be introduced at the October High Point Market
HIGH POINT — Upholstery manufacturer Lancer Furniture has signed a licensing partnership with North Carolina artist Bob Timberlake, continuing a longtime association he has had with the industry dating back to the introduction of the World of Bob Timberlake at Lexington Furniture more than 35 years ago.
Timberlake and the company signed the licensing agreement in High Point on Saturday. The first collection of about 10 frames, which the company said is now in the conceptual phase, is expected to launch in October.
Timberlake told Home News Now that he is excited about the new partnership, which follows the launch of a U.S.-made case goods collection with Archbold Furniture in April 2024. The upholstery collection also will be made domestically at Lancer’s upholstery manufacturing facilities in Star, North Carolina, just under an hour southeast of Lexington.
“That is the exciting part, to be able to do it in your backyard,” Timberlake said, adding that he is impressed with the quality of Lancer Furniture’s upholstery line and also is impressed with their interest in doing the project. “It reminded me of when I first started. They are just eager, and they are open with design ideas. That is what I am looking forward to.”
He also said that he is impressed with the company’s fabric selection and is eager himself to get started collaborating on the designs just as he did with previous licensing partners including Lexington and Century.
“I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “As long as it is fun, that is the main thing that I want.”
Lancer officials also are pleased to announce the partnership.
“At Lancer, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with the legendary Bob Timberlake,” said Zaven Deese, president of Lancer Furniture.
Ryan A. Hilliard, a North Carolina rep for Lancer who made the introduction between the two parties, said he is also excited to see it come to fruition.
“As a North Carolina–based manufacturer, this collaboration feels especially authentic,” Hilliard said. “Our complementary passions and strengths position us to deliver something truly distinctive and commercially meaningful for retailers.”
