ABC’s of Fine Design

I have decided this week not to talk about any piece of furniture, but the resolute desk that site in both the write house and in  in England. If you have recently gone to see the movie National Treasure you have an idea of the history of these desk already.

Both of the resolute desk were made from the English ship the H.M.S resolute. The resolute has a long interesting history itself. It was sent to find a group of men who were looking for a northern pass to china. The ship was lost but the crew was sent back to england. Eventually the ship was found by an American man who brought it home. The US government refitted it at their expense and gave it back to Queen Victoria as a gift.

Once the ship was dismantled the Queen had two desk made. One for her that sites in Buckingham Palace and one was given to US President Rutherford B. Hayes. This desk has been used by almost every president since it was given to  Hayes.

The desk was originally located in the presidents office. In 1902 the office was moved to the new west wing but the desk stayed in the presidents study. President Roosevelt asked that a panel carved with the presidential coat of arms be added. But he did not live to see it done. It was added in 1945.

The desk was first used in the oval office by president John F. Kennedy when his wife Jackie found the desk. The desk eventually became part of the Kennedy library and traveled in an exhibit from 1964-1965. In 1977 Jimmy Carter requested the desk be returned to the oval office to be used once again. The desk moved again during President Bush Sr’s time in office. He had it moved to his Residence office. Bill Clinton moved it back to the oval office and it is still there today being used by President George W. Bush.

If you would like your own resolute desk, there is a company that is recreating them called Victorian Replicas.