Drawing of Downing's Ornate Fence

This drawing is an almost life-size depiction of the ornamental ironwork fence that surrounded the ornamental garden on the South Lawn of the White House Grounds, near the South Portico. Compared to the fences surrounding the White House Grounds, this fence was a lightweight, latticework screen used simply to prevent intrusion into the garden. The fence had legs and was not dug into the ground, providing a delicate barrier. The intricate design was topped with small finials, each bearing the United States Shields, and was the work of landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing. This drawing was created under the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds, later known as the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital. To see a photograph of the fence, please see image 1112836.