117. America's 250th: American Artists in the Royal Collection

While presidential portraits are the most notable pieces in the White House Collection of fine and decorative arts, there are more than 65,000 works in the museum-accredited collection. This grew over time with items such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, and furniture, having either been commissioned, donated, or acquired for use at the White House. The role of the White House Curator was established during the Kennedy presidency and the White House Historical Association has worked closely with them for decades to preserve and create a collection of mostly American-made art with historical and cultural significance.

The Royal Collection Trust is charged with a similar mission, overseeing more than a million objects including paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more, that have been collected by British Royalty for hundreds of years. Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, traveled to Windsor Castle to speak with Tim Knox, director of the Royal Collection. Located about 25 miles outside of London, England, Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs since it was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Only five sitting U.S. presidents have been welcomed to Windsor Castle.

To mark America's semiquincentennial, Stewart and Tim sat in the White Drawing Room to discuss several American-born artists favored by King George III in the late 18th century around the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These include the painters Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, and John Taylor, who were all born in the colonies and later moved to England to pursue their careers. Watch to learn more about the works of these artists including rare landscapes, and famous portraits of King George, Queen Charlotte, and their children. Stewart and Tim also walked to St. George's Hall, the site of several state banquets at Windsor Castle for U.S. presidents, to get a closer look at a portrait by Gainsborough Dupont, a British-born artist with works in both the Royal Collection and the White House Collection.