Furnishing Camelot: the restoration of the White House interiors 1961-1963, and the role of H.F. Du Pont

Abstract

In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy launched an extensive restoration of the White House interiors to reflect the period of the early nineteenth century. The Fine Arts Committee for the White House, under the chairmanship of H. F. du Pont, was established to locate appropriate furnishings, and supervise their installation. ☐ 5203 Ostensibly, this body of museum professionals and collectors of Americana, monitored the project, approving the suitability and authenticity of objects placed in the White House. This image of the Restoration as an academic endeavor was largely promoted in the media, with H. F. du Pont heralded for his expertise and leadership. However, two forces soon began to operate within the Restoration--one led by du Pont and his advisors, including the newly appointed White House Curator; and the other driven by interior decorators brought into the project by Mrs. Kennedy, who were not committed to historical accuracy in their interpretation of the White House interiors. ☐ 5203 H. F. du Pont's role in the White House restoration of 1961-1963 ultimately was that of a figurehead. However, his plans for the reinterpretation of the White House interiors reflect his growing attention to academic research in developing historical period rooms.