Replica of the HMS Resolute Desk
Artifact IDMO 79.242
Object Type
Desk
Date
1979
Maker
Robert Whitley
(Master Craftsman)
Place MadePennsylvania, United States, North America
Medium
Wood, leather
DimensionsOverall H 31 1/2 in x W 71 in x D 48 in (80 cm x 180.3 cm x 121.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionReplica of the Victorian period desk, originally designed and built by William Evenden at Chatham dockyard in England. The desk is ornately carved on the four vertical sides, has functional drawers and cupboard doors on the front and back sides, a gilded leather top and inscribed brass plaque that reads: "HMS Resolute (Naval Ship), forming part of the expedition set in search of Sir John Franklin in 1852 was abandoned in latitude 74.41.N., longitude 101.11.S. on 15 May 1854. She was discovered and extricated in September 1855 in latitude 67.N by Captain Buddington of the United States whaler, George Henry. The ship was purchased, fitted out and sent to England as a gift to her Majesty Queen Victoria by the President and People of the United States, as a token of goodwill and friendship. This desk was made from her timbers when she was broken up and is presented by the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland to the President of the United States as a memeorial of the courtesy and loving kindness which dictated the offer of the Resolute." The front of the desk has an inserted panel carved with the Presidential Seal.
Historical NoteThis replica of the Resolute desk was carved by American cabinetmaker Robert Whitley, specifically for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Rutherford B. Hayes was president when the original Resolute desk was give to the White House in 1878. The desk was not altered except for the addition of a central front panel ordered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and carved with the Presidential Seal by the White House carpenter. FDR wished to install a safe in the center of the desk and also block his leg braces from view. He did not live to see the panel installed, which happened under his successor, President Harry Truman.
Additional DetailsRutherford B. Hayes was president when the original Resolute desk was give to the White House in 1878. The desk was not altered except for the addition of a central front panel ordered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and carved with the Presidential Seal by the White House carpenter. FDR wished to install a safe in the center of the desk and also block his leg braces from view. He did not live to see the panel installed, which happened under his successor, President Harry Truman.
Custodial History NoteItem was purchased by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in 1979.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Museum Purchase
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.On view