Main Content

Philadelphia Bookcase

This bookcase was made in Philadelphia for a Pennsylvania banking family circa 1800 to 1810. The bookcase is one in a pit of Federal period bookcases still believed to be in existence. The pediment features an inlay of urns and scrolls at the center while the doors have inlayed fans in each corner and bands. The bookcase was a gift of Yale University in honor of Francis P. Garvan in 1962. On the shelves is the State Service of President Benjamin Harrison.
Artist
Unknown
Date of Work
ca. 1800-1810
Type
Furnishings
Credit
White House Historical Association
View in the Digital Library

You Might Also Like

  • Page

    The Green Room

    James Hoban, the original architect of the President's House, intended that the space now called the "Green Room" be used as a "Common Dining Room." An 1801 inventory revealed that first residents President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams actually used it as a guest bedchamber. However, the next chief executive, Thomas Jefferson, did serve meals in this room. Jefferson

  • Scholarship

    Christmas with the Johnson Family

    The White House celebrates many holiday traditions, some of which are historic and others more recent. New arrivals to the Executive Mansion bring unique familial rituals that are often blended with time-tested White House and presidential customs. During the holiday season, the president and first lady participate in public traditions such as receiving a tree for the Blue Room, lighting

  • Gallery

    Art in the White House

    The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly presidential portraits, commissioned or purchased by Congress, or donated by presidential descendants. In the era before photography, some presidents invited painters to set up studios in the White House to record significant events and paint their likeness. In the late