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Rare glimpse of White House decor at the Renwick

The exhibit “Something of Splendor” displays little-seen decorative arts from the White House.

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On display in the Renwick’s new exhibit "Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts From the White House," this gilded wood drapery pole from 1902, with a drapery valance from 1952, hung over one of the windows in the Blue Room.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

A view of the Renwick’s main room for the show 'Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts From the White House.'

A view of the Renwick’s main room for the show "Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts From the White House."

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Vice President Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace. Grace Coolidge created some of the objects on display in the Renwick, such as a White House bedspread.

Vice President Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace. Grace Coolidge created some of the objects on display in the Renwick, such as a White House bedspread.

/ AP

This coverlet (1925 to 1927) is a crocheted shoe thread made by Grace Goodhue Coolidge.

This coverlet (1925 to 1927) is a crocheted shoe thread made by Grace Goodhue Coolidge.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

This fire screen of embroidery and gilded wood was made in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1876.

This fire screen of embroidery and gilded wood was made in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1876.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

The gilded bronze part of the center section of a plateau and accessories is from about 1817. The cut glass accessory dishes are from 1853.

The gilded bronze part of the center section of a plateau and accessories is from about 1817. The cut glass accessory dishes are from 1853.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Wallpaper, from 1809 to 1811, on block printed paper made by Jacquemart et Bernard, Paris, lining a painted wood box. The wallpaper is the only known example of the wallpaper from the White House to have survived the burning of the building by the British in 1814.

Wallpaper, from 1809 to 1811, on block printed paper made by Jacquemart et Bernard, Paris, lining a painted wood box. The wallpaper is the only known example of the wallpaper from the White House to have survived the burning of the building by the British in 1814.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

This Egyptian revival andiron from 1902 sat on the fireplace in the Blue Room during the Teddy Roosevelt administration.

This Egyptian revival andiron from 1902 sat on the fireplace in the Blue Room during the Teddy Roosevelt administration.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

This gilded ash armchair from 1859 sat in the Blue Room at the White House.

This gilded ash armchair from 1859 sat in the Blue Room at the White House.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

This purple rosewood side chair is one of 42 such chairs purchased in 1845 during the James Polk administration.

This purple rosewood side chair is one of 42 such chairs purchased in 1845 during the James Polk administration.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

This white oak cabinet from about 1904 was made by Gustav Stickley.

This white oak cabinet from about 1904 was made by Gustav Stickley.

Michael S. Williamson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Many of the items in the exhibit date to the presidency of James Monroe.

Many of the items in the exhibit date to the presidency of James Monroe.

ASSOCIATED PRESS / ASSOCIATED PRESS

First lady Dolley Madison worked with the architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe to furnish the White House. When the house was damaged in the War of 1812, Madison saved many historical objects from ruin.

First lady Dolley Madison worked with the architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe to furnish the White House. When the house was damaged in the War of 1812, Madison saved many historical objects from ruin.

/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gerald Ford with this wife, Betty. In the exhibit, it is revealed that the Fords slept in the same bed in the first lady’s bedroom, turning the presidential bedroom into a fitness center.

Gerald Ford with this wife, Betty. In the exhibit, it is revealed that the Fords slept in the same bed in the first lady’s bedroom, turning the presidential bedroom into a fitness center.

Anonymous / AP

President Harry Truman and his wife, Bess. The Renwick Museum’s exhibit contains a mahogany gentleman’s chest where Truman kept his socks.

President Harry Truman and his wife, Bess. The Renwick Museum’s exhibit contains a mahogany gentleman’s chest where Truman kept his socks.

Bill Allen / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jacqueline Kennedy is shown here with CBS reporter Charles Collingwood during her television tour of the White House in February 1962. Many of the items that Kennedy showed Collingwood on the tour are on display at the Renwick.

Jacqueline Kennedy is shown here with CBS reporter Charles Collingwood during her television tour of the White House in February 1962. Many of the items that Kennedy showed Collingwood on the tour are on display at the Renwick.

/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy shows CBS reporter Charles Collingwood through the White House during a nationally televised tour.

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy shows CBS reporter Charles Collingwood through the White House during a nationally televised tour.

/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jimmy Carter with his wife, Rosalynn. The exhibit at the Renwick reveals that daughter Amy Carter was spooked by the boar painted on the Rutherford B. Hayes state china service.

Jimmy Carter with his wife, Rosalynn. The exhibit at the Renwick reveals that daughter Amy Carter was spooked by the boar painted on the Rutherford B. Hayes state china service.

Anonymous / AP

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