Washington Winter Show 2012

THE WHITE HOUSE F irst Lady Lucy Hayes once remarked, “I love this house for the associations that no other could have.” 1 Throughout its history, the White House has been one of the most identifiable buildings in the world and is revered as a structure that embodies American ideas about democratic values associated with classicism, strength, and refinement. Although the president of the United States is a mere mortal at election, this public official gains instant recognition at his inauguration. Because of their connection with the person holding the office, objects associated with the presidency become highly-coveted relics regardless of their age or particular association; they may reflect some of the same qualities as the iconic building itself as well as fashion sensibility. Treasures of the First Families Figure 1 Covered cup and cover, 1778–1788 Soft paste porcelain, gilt H 3-3/8 in. x W 3-3/8 in. x D 2-5/8 in Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, French, 1756–present The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association Bequest of Ella Mackubin, 1956 (W-1456/C-D) President George Washington purchased a porcelain service from the French minister before he left his post in New York and returned to France. This covered cup is one of the 309 pieces Washington used and admired for its simplicity and restrained ornament. 30 This page is sponsored by Jean Taylor Federico Today, fine and decorative arts objects from the White House collection are housed in a heavily fortified building and are not permitted to be removed from the 1600 Penn- sylvania Avenue address except on loan to the Smithsonian Institution. 2 However, prior to the 1961 Congressional act prohibiting the sale or removal of White House objects, out- dated and unused artwork and utilitarian items left with the first family, were given away as gifts, sold at public sale, or simply misplaced over the years. 3 Objects such as glassware, photos, and furniture with a White House provenance can by Leslie Jones still be found in major cultural institutions and in the hands of private collectors and descendants of presidents. On occa- sion, they even emerge unexpectedly from owners who are unaware of their historical connection. Presidential objects have more historical value if they were used while the owner was in office and were used in the White House. The president presides over the nation from the White House, but the structure itself performs three important functions in its operation: it serves as the president’s home and office and as a museum. These three functions allow us to classify each