The White House Collection and the Atlantic World: Mahogany

Gallery

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Tambour Desk and Bookcase, ca. 1795-1808

Attributed to Thomas (1771-1848) and John Seymour (ca. 1738-1818)

Mahogany, mahogany and curly maple veneers/pine; glass; reverse-painted glass, ivory, brass

This desk and bookcase set, made by John and Thomas Seymour of Boston, is made of mahogany. There are several mahogany pieces made by the Seymours in the White House Collection; the use of exotic wood was common in their work. Because mahogany was a scarce resource, it was expensive. As a result, mahogany came to represent status, wealth, and civility in early America.

While the exact source of this mahogany is unknown, this set is an example of how raw materials harvested largely by enslaved labor abroad came into the homes of affluent Americans. Even those who did not own enslaved laborers themselves benefitted from slavery in indirect ways.

White House Historical Association

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Linen Press, ca. 1790-1800

Unknown

Mahogany and mahogany veneer/ pine and tulip poplar; maple banding; lightwood and stained inlays

This mahogany linen press, made ca. 1790-1800, belonged to the family of Annapolis politician and slave owner, William Paca. Linen presses served as storage for textiles. In a household with enslaved laborers, like the Pacas, enslaved servants may have interacted with this cabinet after doing the laundry, setting a table, or preparing a room for visitors.

White House Historical Association

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About this Gallery

White House objects can help us better understand enslaved labor in the Atlantic World, used for centuries to produce popular commodities and consumer goods.