This sugar bowl was produced in 1795 and presented to First Lady Martha Washington in 1796 by a director of the Dutch East India Company. The bowl was part of a Chinese Export porcelain service and originally had a lid. It was decorated with her initials and a border of chain links representing the 15 states of the Union, the service was used in the Washingtons' Philadelphia residence. As a result of increased sugar production due to growth of sugar plantations fueled by the Atlantic slave trade, sugar bowls became popular pieces of tableware. The Washingtons may have displayed it in public spaces alongside other fine tableware, exhibiting their wealth, worldliness, and patriotism to guests dining at their home.

This sugar bowl was produced in 1795 and presented to First Lady Martha Washington in 1796 by a director of the Dutch East India Company. The bowl was part of a Chinese Export porcelain service and originally had a lid. It was decorated with her initials and a border of chain links representing the 15 states of the Union, the service was used in the Washingtons' Philadelphia residence. As a result of increased sugar production due to growth of sugar plantations fueled by the Atlantic slave trade, sugar bowls became popular pieces of tableware. The Washingtons may have displayed it in public spaces alongside other fine tableware, exhibiting their wealth, worldliness, and patriotism to guests dining at their home.

This Rococo-Revival armchair was taken by George F. Mobley in 1962. It is similar to the one in G. P. A. Healy's famous portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. The chair was found in storage and reupholstered in wine-red velvet that was popular in the Victorian era. White House Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce was most likely responsible for researching and arranging for the chair's restoration. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.

This photograph of a Rococo-Revival armchair was taken by Abbie Rowe at the White House circa 1961 to 62. It is similar to the one in G. P. A. Healy's famous portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. The chair was found in storage and later reupholstered in wine-red velvet that was popular in the Victorian era. White House Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce was most likely responsible for researching and arranging for the chair's restoration. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.

This photograph of a side chair by Pierre-Antoine Bellangé in the Blue Room was taken in March 1962 by George F. Mobley. For First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's restoration of the White House, the Blue Room was restored to the period of the James Monroe presidency. The chair had been returned to the White House Collection as a gift for that restoration project. In 1817, President Monroe imported a suite of gilded beechwood furniture by the noted Parisian cabinetmaker, Pierre-Antoine Bellangé, as well as a table plateau, vases, clocks, tables, gold centerpieces, and candelabrum to create a splendid setting for social events. The Blue Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The oval parlor has been known as the Blue Room since Martin Van Buren’s 1837 redecoration. The room is often used for receptions, photo opportunities, and during the holiday season is home to the official White House Christmas Tree. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.