On the site of Mount Vernon in Washington, USA, stands the Mansion built by George Washington’s father, Augustine Washington, in 1734. When George Washington took over the running of the house, he gradually made a number of architectural additions to the property over a 45-year period to create the Mount Vernon Mansion as can be seen today. Washington personally advised on the design, construction, and decoration of the house, and the site remains one of historical importance today.

In 1858 the house was saved from dilapidation by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association for the sum of $200,000, and they took over the operation of the estate. it was around 2018 during which Humphries Weaving became involved with the rich history of this important building, and we were consulted for the restoration of furniture for two of the principal rooms.

The Front Parlour was the most formal entertainment space in the Mansion featuring fine art, furnishings and architectural elements. Working closely with Associate Curator, Adam Erby, Humphries Weaving was commissioned to help supply new woven fabric for the upholstery of a sofa and eight Mahogany Marlborough stuff back chairs or backed stools. The fabric was also used for two sets of curtains in the same room.

The furniture dates to 1763, and was gifted to George Washington by close friends. The set was upholstered in a silk & worsted wool damask fabric in ‘Saxons Blue’ by upholsterers William Gomm and Sons & Company. The Saxon blue colouring is very striking and was produced from extensive research completed by Adam Erby and Mount Vernon. The initial investigation considered that the shade could be similar to Dumfries House or even Kedleston Hall, and as a result, multiple different custom-dyed options were trialled before the shade was approved.

The design used, known to Humphries Weaving as ‘Ayrshire Damask’, can also be found at Dumfries House in blue and yellow on Chippendale furniture as well as at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on the prized Dundas sofa. It was an incredibly rewarding process to help return these items of furniture to their former glory and shows how our textile restoration services can be used worldwide.  Now an important tourist attraction, visitors can view the room as it was first intended by George Washington. 

Project References: 2979