Treasures of the First Families

Official White House Photo, Circa 1962

By Tyler Sullivan
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. -  The Washington Winter Show, opening this weekend Jan. 5-8 at the Katzen Center at American University, is ringing in the new year with over 40 antique and fine arts dealers - celebrating the White House and this year’s theme, “Treasures of the First Families.”
 

Courtesy of Gary Sergeant George III satinwood secretary in the manner of Thomas Sheraton. Circa 1790.

Led this year by Honorary Chair Caroline Kennedy, the 2012 loan exhibition will unfold an array of arts and objects, featuring everything from costume to decorative arts, as well as highlights from the White House’s interior during administrations of Madison, Lincoln and Kennedy, to recreate and honor the White House’s historical role as a residence, workplace, museum, and national monument.

The daughter of President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, Caroline charmed the country as a young child growing up in The White House during her father's administration. Her mother, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, treasured the rich history and significance of The White House and its objects. Kennedy said she agreed to serve as the Washington Winter Show's Honorary Chair to honor her mother's significant contributions to the preservation of The White House.

In 1961, Jackie Kennedy founded the private non-profit White House Historical Association, whose mission is to enhance the public's understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of The White House as the official home and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
 
The 50th Anniversary of the White House Historical Association is being celebrated this year.

Leslie B. Jones, the Curator and Collections Manager at The White House Historical Association, will be curating this year’s show, set to debut Thursday, Jan. 5, with the preview night party.  
 
The preview will be followed by a lecture and luncheon on Friday, Jan. 6, and jazz night on Saturday, Jan. 7, as well as guided walks and talks by both designers and dealers.
 
The Washington Winter Show, begun in 2009 by the former Trustees of the Washington Antiques show, raises funds for local charities centered on children and families.
 

Courtesy of The Hanebergs Antiques Chinese Armorial tureen and under tray with the arms of Sayer CA 1765

The five charities benefiting from this year’s art-fest are Fight for Children; The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys; Starlight Children's Foundation; THEARC; and the St. John's Community Services.
 
To purchase tickets and find out more about the events, click here: www.washingtonwintershow.org

Courtesy of Robert Lloyd The Rochester Cup. A Queen Anne Period Silver-Gilt cup and cover made in London, 1707 by William Gamble. Engraved with the coat-of-arms of the City of Rochester, Kent. Given as a gift by the City of Rochester and engraved on the opposite side with another coat-of-arms.