A Little History
The artwork in The White House has grown largely over the years and is now known as the White House Collection, but what is on display does not include just paintings, it also includes other items such as, sculptures, glassware, ornates and even flooring.
There are currently over 65, 000 items on display in the White House Collection, 500 of these items are works of art housed in the most beautiful frames and displayed. But how did this collection start?
The collection grew and evolved over time and was officially formalized by an act of congress in 1961 under President John F Kennedy. The collection started mainly with Presidential portraits, either obtained by congress or donated by family of past leaders. These were the framed in very grand ornate picture frames to fit with the artwork and displayed within the White House.
The Kennedy family played a huge role in beginning and growing the collection and in 1963 a curator was appointed, Lorraine Waxman Pearce she arranged one of the most daring art exhibits in history and even managed to loan the Mona Lisa from the French Government to showcase to America.
The Kennedys restored the White House as a “living museum,” bringing historic objects, furniture, and artwork back inside, and used it as a national stage to display some of America’s finest talents to the world.
Image credit: https://www.history.com/news/presidential-palates-white-house-menus
Image credit: https://www.popsugar.co.uk/home/joe-biden-white-house-oval-office-decor-photos-48125244?utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=US:GB&utm_source=www.google.com
What’s On Display
Each presidential family that moves into the white house can select artwork to display in the West Wing, public spaces and their private quarters so there is a wide range of styles and tastes on display, this is a great opportunity to also see a wide array of frames, you will see all types of styles from modern picture frames, gold leaf frames, antique frames and even some more decorative frames that are artwork in themselves.
Below is a small list of the highlights on display within the collection:
- A full-length portrait of the president George Washington by Gilbert Stuart in 1800.
- Landscape art by some great artist such as George Cooke, Thomas Birch, Georgia O’Keefe, Michele Felice Cornè and Martin Johnson Heade.
- 36 marble busts by italian sculptor Giuseppe Ceracchi.
- Depictions of important historical events including Signing of the Peace Protocol between Spain and the United States, August 12 1898 by Théobald Chartran and The Peacemakers by George P. A. Healy.
There are so many gorgeous artworks and some of the finest frames in America on display here, and they are all available to view online with a virtual tour or in person if you are ever fortunate enough to visit.
The White House Historical Association
The White House Historical Association is a charitable nonprofit, nonpartisan institution whose purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House.
They have a wonderful online shop where you can purchase anything from literature, Christmas ornaments and decorations, jewellery and neckties, childrens gifts and toys and gifts and decor for the home including some beautiful picture frames, all inspired by the White House and its beautiful art inside.
One of the most stunning pieces in their store is a beautiful picture frame from the presidential collection. A stunning cobalt blue enamel picture frame with gold plated details and encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Created exclusively for the White House Historical Association by American Artist Ann Hand of Washington, D.C.
Ann Hand combines her knowledge of Hollywood designers and observations of the dedication of leaders in Washington to create her one-of-a-kind jewelry and gifts.
Leave A Comment