Name/Title
Historic Charleston ReproductionsEntry/Object ID
HCF.REPRO.Scope and Content
Established in 1972, Historic Charleston Reproductions not only generates revenues but also promotes the City's cultural heritage as do other HCF programs. The Reproductions program arranges for the manufacture and marketing of reproductions and adaptations of the elegant furnishings associated with 18th and 19th century Charleston homes. The product line includes furniture, porcelain, brass, mirrors, wallpaper, fabrics, needlework, and paint. The idea of manufacturing a line of Charleston reproductions was suggested by Richard H. Jenrette and Alison B. Harwood. The program was modeled on a similar venture at Colonial Williamsburg. Under the plan endorsed in September 1972, HCF would license to a line of home furnishings inspired by antiques in private or museum collections, and receive a royalty on every sale. If the object came from a museum collection, that institution would also receive a royalty. Individuals who loaned pieces from their own collections donated their share of royalties (anonymously). The first line of HCR was unveiled in October 1973 and the merchandise reached retailers the following year. Soon after the introduction of the first line, Alison Harwood took early retirement from Vogue and moved to Charleston to direct the program. Under Harwood, advertising for the program stressed that buying the reproductions furthered the preservation mission. Much of the program's success can be attributed to the long, rich decorative arts history on which modern artisans draw, extending for almost 2 centuries, although not all reproductions were taken from pieces originally made in Charleston. Today the program works with over 30 national manufacturers and the product line includes over 600 pieces sold in showrooms and retail outlets, as well as HCF's 2 retail shops.Collection
HCF Institutional RecordsAcquisition
Accession
HCF.Source or Donor
HCF Institutional RecordsAcquisition Method
Collected by StaffLexicon
Search Terms
Historic Charleston Foundation, Museum stores, Stores and shops, Licensed productsArchive Details
Creator
Historic Charleston FoundationArchive Size/Extent
1 Document BoxArchive Notes
Date(s) Assembled: 1978 - present
Level of Description: CollectionLocation
Location
Shelf
Archives C-4Room
Margaretta P. Childs ArchivesBuilding
Missroon HouseCategory
PermanentDate
February 7, 2023Relationships
Related Publications
Notes
Historic Preservation for a Living City, pp. 152-154Created By
admin@catalogit.appCreate Date
March 5, 2007Updated By
kemmonsUpdate Date
December 23, 2020