China Room, Nixon Administration

This photograph of the China Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. The China Room is located on the Ground Floor of the White House and has been used to display ceramics, glass, and other decorative arts since 1917. The pieces on display are a collection of items used in the White House by first families, including state china services commissioned during a presidency. Howard Chandler Christy's portrait of First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge was hung in the room in 1952 and served as the inspiration for the red velvet lining the shelving installed during the John F. Kennedy administration. The marble mantel was made circa 1825 and was installed in 1962.