During the residency of President Kennedy, I was invited to join a group of historians who were invited to tour the White House. Mrs. Kennedy was in the midst of her massive changes to the mansion, but the day before our arrival, she had returned the RESOLUTE DESK to the Oval Office. There was a great deal of excitement over this event, and our group felt the enthusiasm and excitement about this event. The photograph of President Kennedy’s son John playing around the desk is a real part of American photographic history. I had no idea there is a second RESOLUTE DESK in Windsor Castle. I am always interested in links which tie the United States of America and the United Kingdom, and the RESOLUTE DESK is one of the most interesting. I have gathered a few articles and photographs which I will put together for your enjoyment. I have enjoyed finding all these bits and pieces.
Earlier presidencies:
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
I greatly enjoyed the account of the boarding and salvage of the HMS Resolute – it was certainly “spirited” !!
I’m still uncertain about the number of desks that were made, however. I know of three desks : the one in the White House, Queen Victoria’s writing table (now in the Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth) and the Grinnell or Lady’s Desk in the Boston Whaling Museum. If there is also an identical twin desk in Buckingham Palace, I would love to know anywhere that it is mentioned. Not even “National Treasure 2″ claimed that the twin desk was an identical twin.
By the way, a while ago on eBay I also saw a Travelling Writing Case made from the HMS Resolute timbers.
Comment by David Newton — April 27, 2012 @ 4:57 pm
Fascinating history about another link across the pond. Perhaps the greatest example in the world of former enemies becoming devoted friends!
Comment by Rebecca Mellor — April 28, 2012 @ 2:57 pm
is the resolute desk of both in US and London has secret compartment under the drawers as the same use in the Movie National Treasure?
Comment by erkz — September 30, 2012 @ 10:56 pm
And true symbol of the long friendship between the United States and England and the Commonwealth! The next time I’m invited to the White House. You can be sure I’ll be looking forward to seeing this historic desk. Cass_71
Comment by Michael Cassidy — December 30, 2012 @ 2:57 pm