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Theodore Alexander, Keno Brothers Team for Collection
March 1,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in licensing on March 2, 2010
Theodore Alexander will collaborate with the Keno brothers to produce and market a collection based on the brothers' love of antiques and vintage modern furniture.
The Keno Bros. collection will be unveiled during the High Point Market in the Theodore Alexander showroom at 201 Steele Street.
Leigh and Leslie Keno are extraordinary experts of furniture from all periods, which make them perfect partners for Theodore Alexander," said Harvey Dondero, CEO of Theodore Alexander. "Their impeccable standards with respect to quality and construction mirrored our own, and their incredible knowledge of furniture and design made the entire process a pleasure.
Twin brothers Leigh and Leslie Keno have been interested in rare Americana for more than 30 years, and are acknowledged experts in the field. In 2005, President Bush awarded them with the National Humanities Medal, in recognition of those who strive to deepen the publics knowledge of the humanities. The Humanities Medal is a highly prestigious honor, and medal recipients do not compete for this award, but are specially selected by the President for their life-long achievements in diverse areas of expertise.
They have achieved celebrity status as appraisers on the PBS show Antiques Roadshow, with 10 million viewers watching weekly. In 2003-2004 they were hosts of the PBS show "Find!" and since 2008 they have also hosted the show Collect This! with the Keno Brothers on MSN. Aside from their television duties, Leigh owns and operates Keno Auctions in New York, while Leslie serves as senior vice president and director of American furniture and decorative arts at Sothebys in New York.
The Keno Bros. collection is an assortment of more than 40 pieces, taking the best of earlier periods and combining them in a perfect synthesis of traditional styling enhanced with fresh, modern appeal. Realizing American homes are a blend of old and new, the Kenos focused on creating timeless classics that will become the heirlooms of tomorrow. Their enduring passion for sculpture, furniture, paintings, and rare objects transforms into a line of home furnishings where fine craftsmanship returns to the forefront. Many items are easily adaptable in various home environments, and incorporate functionality through design and purpose.
We believe furniture has to be good through and throughnot just beautiful, but well made. We love pieces that are simple, functional, and easy to care for, said Leslie Keno.
People always ask us, what furniture is being made today that will be collectible tomorrow?," Leigh Keno said. "And we tell them, its pieces that show true craftsmanship and quality.