Historic Norman Rockwell Sketches Return to White House in Record $7.25 Million Deal
In a landmark acquisition that has captured the attention of art enthusiasts and historians alike, the White House Historical Association has successfully reclaimed a precious collection of Norman Rockwell sketches for an unprecedented $7.25 million. The purchase, finalized at auction on Friday, marks the most significant financial investment ever made by the association in its six-decade history.
The Presidential Waiting Room Comes to Life
The four interconnected sketches, collectively titled "So You Want to See the President!", date back to the 1940s and offer a fascinating glimpse into the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. Created in 1943 and originally published in the Saturday Evening Post, these artworks uniquely capture various individuals awaiting their moment with the president.
Rockwell's masterful brushwork depicts an intriguing cross-section of American society seated on plush red chairs in what appears to be the presidential waiting area. The subjects range from journalists and military officers to a Miss America Pageant winner accompanied by her publicist, all united by their anticipation of meeting President Roosevelt.
According to Heritage Auctions, the Dallas-based firm that handled the sale, this collection represents Rockwell's only known series of four interrelated paintings conceived to tell a complete narrative story.
A Controversial History and Record-Breaking Purchase
The sketches had been displayed in the West Wing for many years until their removal in 2022 following a family dispute over ownership rights. The artworks had been put up for sale by the grandson of the White House official who originally received them as a personal gift from Norman Rockwell himself.
The White House Historical Association's winning bid amounted to $5.8 million, with the total cost reaching $7.25 million after including the buyer's premium paid to the auction house. This staggering amount far surpasses the association's previous record of $1.5 million paid in 2007 for "The Builders" by African American artist Jacob Lawrence.
Anita McBride, a board member of the association, expressed her personal excitement about the acquisition. "I can't tell you how personally thrilled I am that the White House Historical Association preserved this piece of White House history," she stated.
Educational Mission and Future Display Plans
The association has announced ambitious plans to utilize these historic sketches for educational purposes. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, emphasized in an official statement that the organization will share more details "about the future of this significant and historic work."
He further added, "We look forward to utilizing this acquisition to teach White House history for generations to come."
Matthew Costello, the association's chief education officer, revealed in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that officials are considering displaying the sketches at "The People's House: A White House Experience" - an interactive education center that opened in September 2024.
The White House Historical Association, established in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, operates as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that receives no government funding. Its core mission focuses on preserving the museum-quality interior of the White House while educating the public about American history and culture through its vast collection of art, furniture, and historical artifacts.
