• Oval Office Looking Towards the Fireplace, Kennedy Administration
    Cecil Stoughton
    refurbishment
    West Wing
    Oval Office
    textiles
    This photograph of the seating area next to the fireplace in the Oval Office shows the newly installed carpet that had been selected by President John F. Kennedy and French interior designer Stéphane Boudin. Cecil Stoughton photographed the office on November 23, 1963, the day after President Kennedy's assassination. Although the restoration of the White House is most closely associated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, President Kennedy himself guided the choices for the redecoration of the Oval Office. Tragically, he never saw the completed room, as the curtains and carpet were being installed while he was in Dallas in November 1963.
  • Oval Office, John F. Kennedy Administration
    Cecil Stoughton
    refurbishment
    West Wing
    Oval Office
    textiles
    This photograph of the Oval Office with recently-installed new carpet and drapes was taken by Cecil Stoughton on November 23, 1963, the day after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy and French interior designer Stéphane Boudin selected the carpet and drapes. Although the restoration of the White House is most closely associated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, President Kennedy himself guided the choices for the redecoration of the Oval Office. Tragically, he never saw the completed room, as the curtains and carpet were being installed while he was in Dallas in November 1963.
  • Oval Office, John F. Kennedy Administration
    Cecil Stoughton
    refurbishment
    furniture
    case goods
    West Wing
    Resolute Desk
    Oval Office
    textiles
    This photograph of the Oval Office with recently-installed new carpet and drapes was taken by Cecil Stoughton on November 23, 1963, the day after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy and French interior designer Stéphane Boudin selected the carpet and drapes. Although the restoration of the White House is most closely associated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, President Kennedy himself guided the choices for the redecoration of the Oval Office. Tragically, he never saw the completed room, as the curtains and carpet were being installed while he was in Dallas in November 1963.
  • Damaged Girandole Mirror in the Red Room
    Cecil Stoughton
    mirrors
    furnishings
    State Floor
    Red Room
    This photograph of the Red Room taken by Cecil Stoughton on November 5, 1963, illustrates the threat to publicly displayed antiques. A visitor hurled a decorative urn at a girandole mirror, resulting in its near destruction. The Red Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The room was first decorated with red fabrics during the James K. Polk administration in 1845. The space is often filled with furnishings in the American “Empire” or “Grecian” style. The parlor has been used for intimate receptions, teas, and meetings.
  • Blue Room, John F. Kennedy Administration
    Cecil Stoughton
    seats
    restoration
    refurbishment
    State Floor
    Blue Room
    furniture
    This photograph of the Blue Room was taken by Cecil Stoughton in December 1962, prior to its restoration during the John F. Kennedy administration. As part of the restoration, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy publicized her search for the Bellangé furniture suite purchased for the Blue Room during the James Monroe administration. Mrs. Kennedy eventually received a donation of two armchairs and two side chairs from the original suite. In 1962 Max Schneider & Son were commissioned to make additional reproductions for the Blue Room. The Blue Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion and is famous for its oval shape, central location, and views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial through its South Portico windows.