Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
BOWEN G72.1-039
Date(s)
- ca. 1927 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
ca. 1927. State Reception Room. Imported marble was used in the columns found in the State Reception Room of the Legislative Building. A decision was made by the project's co-architect, Walter Wilder, that the State Reception Room was to be the most ornate in the building. He chose Bresche Violet marble from Italy which had a creamy background interspersed with red, lavender and green veins. The floor was finished with teak and covered with a specially woven seamless rug. Adding to the ceremonial tone of the room, heavily lined velvet drapes with matching valences and silk cable tasseled ties were appropriate window coverings. A 7-foot round table was placed in the middle of the room surrounded by elaborately patterned chairs. High back chairs of the same pattern were lined up against the marble columns. The legislature had authorized a budget of some $600,000 for furnishings and opened the bidding to the nation. The New York City firm of W. and J. Sloane was chosen, with the cost of the enormous 7-foot table coming in at (then) an astonishing $1000. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)