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PRESS RELEASE Australian Furniture Designer Wins Highest Accolade at US Show Byron Bay, NSW Australia 2008 – Tony Kenway's work is featured prominently in galleries in Sydney, London, Tokyo and New York. But unlike most art, it need not be appreciated by the eye alone. The best of it can be sat on. Creator of some of the world's most coveted collectible furniture, the Australian designer has worked in the Queen's Royal Collection Workshop in London and with prominent designers in Italy, England, Japan and USA. His chairs and rockers in particular have garnered considerable attention and have been selected for the William Morris Trust house in London and the permanent collection of the Queensland Art Gallery, Australia. Kenway has taken home a slew of international awards. He has twice received one of the highest accolades in fine furniture craftsmanship winning the ‘Best Chair’ award (2003 and 2006) and in 2004 earned a ‘Best New Artist’ title at the prestigious Philadelphia Furniture Show, an event where he invariably creates a stir. His finely crafted works of rare and exceptional Australian timbers tend to sell-out at the exhibition. Kenway’s clean and elegant lines are inspired by forms found in the natural environment. His unique range of furniture designs, described as neo classical and timeless, have evolved from years of careful consideration to function, comfort and proportion. “People often tell me they are amazed by how my chairs seem to mould to their bodies and they can’t believe how comfortable a wooden chair can be,” says Tony. Interesting commissions keep Tony and his team busy. Take for example a recent work for a New York collector: a table with five "legs" splayed from a sculpted base, a piece that evokes the arboreal splendour of Tony's rainforest property in the hinterland of Byron Bay. It’s here that Tony designs and makes his collectable furniture, utilizing solid timber, carefully selected for its lasting beauty, strength and flexibility. "My passion for woodcraft started at an early age,” says Tony. “In 1984, after my training as a cabinetmaker and shipwright, I started enjoying the freedom of expression in designing and making individual pieces of furniture." Kenway recently created a stir at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York City in the MADE section featuring artist-made objects and furnishings. ### For further information or schedule an interview with Tony Kenway, please contact Oren Siedler at oren@linknet.com.au or call + 61 2668 47102 ________________________________________ DESIGNLUSH F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E DESIGNLUSH announces the Fall “Modern Masters” Collection. New York City-based to-the-trade furniture retailer and interior design studio DESIGNLUSH is launching its Fall 2008 season with “Modern Masters,” a special collection celebrating some of today’s masters of furniture and lighting design from across the U.S. and around the globe. With over 16 artisans and studios represented, and almost 20 new pieces, Modern Masters by DESIGNLUSH presents a fresh new perspective on the modern art, and traditional craft, of furniture making. The collection represents pieces that are hand-made, limited edition, or premiering for the first time in the United States, all curated by DESIGNLUSH founder and Creative Director Stephen Mitchell. Chairs, sofas, desks, benches, tables, lighting, carpets and more come together under the Modern Masters umbrella to represent various contemporary points of view, all with one singular vision, where the eye of the artist and hand of the craftsman are evident in every curve and corner. Focusing on pieces that truly embrace the concept of “craft,” the Modern Masters collection brings together some of today’s superstars of furniture making. And while the collection celebrates the DESIGNLUSH signature “modern organic” style, it may surprise those familiar with this New York showroom. “Some of these pieces are a slight departure for DESIGNLUSH, which has always been known for a strong modern feel. But I like that this collection continues to look at—and push— the definition of ‘what is modern.’ And every piece is totally in synch with how we’ve always embraced ‘modern organic,’ but in some great new ways,” says Mitchell. And while the collection may redefine “contemporary,” the pieces will no doubt have stylistic staying power. Notes Mitchell, “We are saying these pieces are the ‘heirlooms of tomorrow’ because they are typically limited-edition pieces, some even one-of-a-kind, all very labor intensive, lovingly made, and definitely the kind of thing you could have in a family for generations.” Continued Artisanal hand-poured glass, hand-carved wood, hand-thrown ceramics, wool, silk, and other natural materials come together with modern technology and contemporary vision… exotic woods paired with Plexiglas or powder-coated steel; leathers that are embossed, foiled and laser-cut. Says Mitchell, “What I love about these designers is that they have one foot totally rooted in traditional technique, but are also all about real experimentation.” The collection as a whole makes reference to styles, eras and cultures that have historically celebrated craft, classic materials, and the beauty of nature. The collection reveals references to American Arts and Crafts and French Art Nouveau, coming to life in Italian-inspired marquetry inlays, richly grained Australian timbers and Japanese floral motifs, to name a few. All these influences make Modern Masters a vibrant and globally-informed collection. The artisans represented by Modern Masters blur the lines between design and art, furniture and sculpture. And because each of the pieces is so artistic, the presentation of this collection will also be unique, showcasing the pieces in a gallery-like setting. “We’re having fun with our presentation on this one, because each piece really is a work of art. Rugs are our paintings, chairs our sculpture. It will reinforce what’s so strong about each artist’s approach,” says Mitchell. The presentation and promotion of this event also introduces the names and faces behind the work. “Each one of these men and women is so passionate about what they do, and they are also really terrific individuals. By getting to know the artist, we think our clients— and their clients— will appreciate that table or chair they are lucky enough to acquire even more,” predicts Mitchell. Modern Masters also heralds the U.S. showroom premiere of Australian furniture maker Tony Kenway. “We couldn’t be more pleased about bringing this exciting and talented designer to an American audience,” adds Mitchell Modern Master premieres October 2008 and will be available for viewing at the DESIGNLUSH showroom in the New York Design Center through Fall/Winter 2008. For more information about Modern Masters, the DESIGNLUSH collections or showroom, please contact: Stephen Mitchell, DESIGNLUSH President: 212 532-5450, info@designlush.com, or Patrick J. Hamilton, Marketing Manager: 646 645-7071, hatrickdesign@aim.com.