Bridge For Design Spring 2014 Bridge For Design Spring 2014 Issue | Page 94

DESIGN RESOURCES | furniture

The home of the
furniture greats
Heath Combs visits a remarkable library
which holds the largest collection of
furniture design books in the US

A

comprehensive history of furniture and design can be
found at the Bienenstock Furniture Library on Main
Street in High Point.
Comprised of the largest collection of furniture design
books in the United States, a new generation of library devotees is
making sure its founder’s vision of a furniture research and design
centre stays fresh in the 21st century.
Its creator, Sandy Bienenstock spent five decades, starting in 1922,
travelling the world collecting furniture design books as publisher
and owner of Furniture World magazine. Recognised as an expert in
style-spotting and production, he wrote several books on furnishings
and became a member of the prestigious American Furniture Hall
of Fame.
His library opened in 1970 and it retains a vital role in the heart
of North Carolina’s furniture country by offering inspiration to
furniture and interior designers. It offers a gathering place for
industry insiders to assemble year-round to confer about the trade
and seek out the roots of the newest design trends.
Located in the furniture capital of the U.S. in an historic stone
building near High Point’s high-end showroom district, the main
attraction is Bienenstock’s collection, comprising the pioneering
work of design through accessible, rare, out-of-print or one-of-a
kind books.
The rare book collection contains volumes published since 1640.
With the exception of Yale, it is the only library in America that
houses the original works of 18th century furniture masters
Chippendale, Sheraton and Hepplewhite, as well as a complete set
of Diderot’s Encyclopedia—26 volumes published in the 18th century.
Unlike Yale, Bienenstock Furniture Library is open to the public.
A special climate and humidity controlled room houses these
extraordinary volumes. An appointment with the cu rator is required
to examine the most rare books, and you must wear white gloves,
but they are available for all to view. The library also contains
uncommon drawings and large format books with exquisite renderings.
It is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone interested in design.
In addition to rare books, the library includes a vast array of
periodicals going back more than 100 years. The advertisements
in a turn of the century House Beautiful tell the furniture story from
an end-consumer’s perspective. The archives of Bienenstock’s publication Furniture World, now in its 143rd year, tell the furniture story
from the point of view of the trade.
Supporters of the library have enhanced its national profile ►

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Bridge for Design Spring 2014

The Bienenstock Furniture Library is based in a 1923 renovated mansion in High Point