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Opulence, sophistication and high-style in all things are only the apparent hallmarks of Barrymore Furniture.
Since 1919, the company has been devoted to the pursuit of time-honored craftsmanship. Today, this legacy endures. To be built by Barrymore is to have achieved more than mere functionality; its finely wrought cosmetic ornamentation in hundreds of uber-chic fabrics, masking literally hundreds of man hours invested in a superior, hand-hewn work of art. From the frame up a Barrymore sofa, sectional, and, chairs represent the apex in traditional and burgeoning design philosophies; not the least in their execution as sublime and enveloping sources of exceptional comfort. Barrymore is as renowned for its luxuriating finesse as its timeless visual appeal. Recognizing the company’s richly deserved reputation for achieving peerless perfection, Barrymore’s current President, Tom Callahan takes special pride on a daily basis to sustain and surpass these high standards of quality.
“We have an amazing crew,” he admits, “Men and women, with the company for years, in some cases decades. They have taken our mantra to heart; never to sacrifice on anything. They truly care about achieving the very best that money can buy; each new piece, paid the same level of dedication to quality and attention to every last detail. At Barrymore we are more than a team – an extended family, actually, and like the very best of families, we strive as one to achieve the very best.”
Barrymore is a hand-made labor of love for all concerned. From their functionally fashionable North York showroom and factory facilities, the company boasts 100% Canadian manufacturing, championing their artisans, designers, laborers and buyers as the finest anywhere. What is perhaps most impressive is how much of the work is still done by hand. Virtually everything from mapping out intricate patterns on carefully inspected cloth, to the shaping, sanding and fastening of springs to their solid wood frames, yet to be adorned by some of the most magnificent fabrics in the industry, there is barely a stitch or seam that is not first touched, critically inspected and adhered to by human hands. “It’s highly skilled work,” admits Tom, “It requires patience, passion and precision. And it receives all three and more from the moment we undertake a piece until that piece leaves us for its permanent home.”
Because virtually all Barrymore pieces are made to spec, under the most stringent quality guidelines, virtually no two are ever alike.
“We’ll make your sofa the way you imagined it,” says Tom, “…using natural materials, innovative and constantly evolving methods that respect the environment.” In fact, Barrymore’s catalog reads like a cavalcade of design; virtually hundreds of styles, from classic Lawsons to traditional tuxedos and contemporary fusion. “Comfort is key,” reasons Tom, “I like to think of all our creations as art, but it is high-functioning art, first and foremost, meant to satisfy and hopefully surpass our clientele’s level of comfort.” To satisfy, Barrymore’s Signature Seating offers unparalleled bonuses; soy-based foam that is durable and environmentally responsible: Feather Deluxe seating, for that luxurious, lived-in look, and, Premium Seating made of thick cut layers of memory foam for extra support.
“Upholstery is really something of a science,” suggests Tom, “How to position a pattern, where to place a seam or a stitch, or when and how best to modify a frame to complement our clients’ wishes. We’re constantly striving to envision our product from the customer’s point of view. It’s a time-consuming process and occasionally a real challenge. But we’re always up to it – never pleased with the results until you are.” Barrymore’s heritage is rife with examples of staying true to form and striving to be the very best; begun as a division of Toronto Carpet in 1919; then, one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in the nation, and, specialized in rattan home furnishing that can still be found in Muskoka cottages. Over the years, the company has weathered changing tastes and times, constantly striving to learn and grow, and emerging stronger and more passionate about their product than ever.
“Coco Chanel once said ‘fashion fades, style lasts’”, Tom admits, “It’s a mantra we’ve taken to heart at Barrymore; our challenge, to design and maintain that highly refined sense of style, sure to withstand any test of time. Our mantra is very simple…‘made for you’. Our customers want furniture that speaks to them on a personal level. Deciding on the style and fabric is half the fun. The rest is up to us, working with pleated facings, flat top-stitching, turned wood legs or a dressmaker’s skirt, contrast welts or none at all, box back or knife edge cushions…the choices really are endless. You can trust our craftsmen to realize a piece of furniture as big, bold and beautiful as your imagination. It’s our very great pleasure to serve you.”
