White House Portico Column Bookend

The White House Historical Association is pleased to present this reproduction of the White House Portico column cap design in the form of a meticulously detailed decorative bookend. The bookend has been crafted from sandstone sourced from the same Aquia, Virginia, quarry that was used to build the exterior walls of the White House more than 200 years ago. The stone has been crushed to a fine powder and combined with resin to create this unique decorative object.

The columns forming the North and South Porticoes of the White House are among the most striking elements of the Executive Mansion exterior. Columns are also one example of how neoclassical architecture is incorporated into the design of the White House. Architect James Hoban oversaw the addition of the South Portico for President James Monroe in 1824 and the North Portico for President Andrew Jackson from 1829 to 1830. Both porticos are defined by Ionic columns uniquely embellished with intricately carved Double Scottish Roses. When the White House was constructed, Scottish stonemasons were considered the best in the world. A team was recruited from Edinburgh; it is believed through Edinburgh Lodge Number 1, often considered to be the world’s oldest masonic lodge.

Wipe clean with soft cloth. Heavy.