Collection James Hoban: Architect of the White House
James Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright,...
Why is the White House White?
- Photographer
- Erik Kvalsvik
- Date of Work
- 1990
- Medium
- Photo
- Credit
- White House Collection/White House Historical Association
Why is the White House White?
This photograph of burn marks on the White House stonework was taken in 1990, during the George H.W. Bush administration. In preparation for the White House cornerstone's bicentennial in 1992, the White House underwent a renovation that included the removal of approximately 30 layers of paint. This process revealed scarring beneath the paint, sustained when the British burned the White House during the War of 1812.
You Might Also Like
-
-
Collection Tudor Place
Two grand houses were under construction in the young Federal City in 1816: one the President’s House, reconstructed after it wa...
-
Collection President Truman's Renovation
During the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the White House underwent a renovation and expansion so extensive, it changed...
-
Collection An Artist Visits the White House Past
From its construction in 1792, until the 1902 renovation that shaped the modern identity and functions of the interior of the White...
-
Collection The President's Neighborhood
Since the White House was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800, influential people and organizations—or those who hoped to...
-
Collection Italy in the White House
Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as nations, close connections between our two peoples influenced political...
-
White House Decorative Arts in the 2000s
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the White House, the White House Historical Association donated a set of special gifts...
-
White House Decorative Arts in the 1960s
In 1960, President and Mrs. Eisenhower accepted a donation of early 19th century American federal furniture for the Diplomatic Reception Room....
-
Four Salutes to the Nation
The Andrew Jackson equestrian statue in Lafayette Park is familiar to most of the world in its place in front...
-
Jefferson's White House Upgrades
Thomas Jefferson gave orders for the demolition of the outdoor wooden privy and had two water closets installed upstairs, one...
-
Days of Destruction: The President's House
After torching the Capitol about 100 British soldiers and sailors headed west down Pennsylvania Avenue with four officers, including Ross and...
-
President Roosevelt's White House Improvements
Reconstruction of the West Wing in 1930 after extensive damage by a Christmas Eve fire in 1929 included a central air-conditioning system...
