Thursday, November 14, 2013

the art director of the 20th century

This month marks the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. In honor and memory of the JFK legacy, there have been several films and documentaries exploring the iconic president and his family. I watched a PBS feature the other evening with my dad that was focused on the Kennedy White House with due recognition to the lady of the home.
Jackie Kennedy was known for her influence on the nation as she incorporated class and heritage to the White House. As first lady, she spent her first year redecorating 1600 Pennsylvania Ave bringing the most famous address in the country back to life. Upon completion, she gave a tour of the White House for television audiences. Snip-its of the show were included in the PBS documentary. I think it was actually the first time I heard Jackie's voice, crazy right?! 
In addition to revamping the White House, Jackie brought art and culture into the nation. She sought inspiration from 18th and 19th century European finery and incorporated a glamorous and artisan aesthetic to Washington.  
One of the historians said this about Jackie's reign as first lady: 
"She often liked to envision herself as the art director of the 20th Century."

Watch the White House tour here:






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