The Smithsonian

[tombarnes]

Smithsonian Furniture?

The Smithsonian has elected to sell various lines of furniture and other accessories (lighting products etc.) through various furniture and lighting companies. While I can somewhat understand the need for additional funding, I'm not so sure that this is a great idea. I hate to see the great name of the Smithsonian being cheapened into a line of furniture. The Smithsonian has had its troubles lately, but this may or may not be a smart move for them. Branding is a curious thing, and a fickle public may not take to the idea. Aren't there any rich benefactors out there who could give money to the Smithsonian so that this sort of thing wouldn't be necessary? Call me fusty, but this is distasteful, however necessary it might be.

Yahoo News