Hi all! Peter here.
To further assist with the building of the 3D models I have a question for you. In the floor plan for the ground floor of the residence, the Vermeil Room and Map Room show some built-in shelves with doors. However my general sense is that some of the shelves are now gone.
Specifically, the south wall of the Map Room. Are those shelves still present? And the Vermeil Room, newer photos don't show shelves along the west wall. While we have compiled many great photos here, perhaps someone knows about the detail not shown.
Thank you. :)
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The shelves are still there but were covered up several decades ago with panels that match the woodwork and molding of the rooms.
ReplyDeleteIn the Vermeil Room, the North wall (and possible the East as well) also used to display pieces form the collection behind glass doors like those found on the West wall (and China Room). Can't remember off hand which Administration it was, but it was decided that more space was needed to display the growing number of portraits being added to the collection. Thus, key pieces of the vermeil were chosen to be displayed on either side of the mantle, and the rest of the cases were covered over (vermeil removed, of course).
The shelves are still accessible however. If you're ever able to examine the walls closely, you'll see the panels are on hinges and can be swung open (just remove the portraits first!).
Derek has a HABS photo of the Map Room that shows a similar panel there opened to reveal a map storage area. Not sure the reason for covering any additional shelving in the Map Room, unless it just wans't needed.
The architectural changes that Robert mentions were made during the Nixon years. Pat Nixon worked with White House architect Edward Vason Jones and the Ground Floor rooms were a special project of those years. Mrs. Kennedy's renovation focused on furnishings and appointments, while Mrs. Nixon, Clem Conger and Jones placed a high priority on updating and obliterating the "50's Moderne" of the Truman Renovation (which was especially evident on the Ground Floor)and replacing it with more authentic period detailing and finishes.
ReplyDeleteFascinating. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks for that info. When we look at what was done you can see that it did look 50's. I think there's more continuity with the changes.
ReplyDeleteThanks folks!
Maybe you should just go to washington dc and check it out.
ReplyDelete