• Scars from the Fire of 1814 on Stonework
    Erik Kvalsvik
    White House
    east view
    renovation
    War of 1812
    This photograph of burn marks on the White House stonework was taken by Erik Kvalsvik in 1990, during the George H. W. Bush administration. Following a two year report, the White House underwent a renovation that included the removal of approximately 30 layers of paint and took place over 25 years, from 1980 to 1996. This process revealed scarring beneath the paint, sustained when the British burned the White House during the War of 1812.
  • Stone Swag Surrounding the North Entrance
    Erik Kvalsvik
    White House
    north view
    This black and white photograph by Erik Kvalsvik shows the north entrance during a maintenance project. The North Door surround, carved in high relief around the window, is surmounted by a detailed swag carved into two giant stones, a total of twelve feet in length. The carving above the door includes roses and a stylized garland of American white oak leaves and acorns, a theme repeated in the transom, along with more conventional acanthus leaves, griffins, and classical flowers. The photograph was taken during Ronald Reagan's presidency (1981-1989).
  • North Portico Ionic Column Carved by Italian Francisco Jardella and Stripped of Paint
    Richard Cheek
    North Portico
    This color photograph by Richard Creek shows the North Portico without paint while undergoing maintenance. It was taken during Ronald Reagan's presidency (1981-1989).