Music Room

NPS Photo

This is the most formal room in the house. The Music Room is sometimes called the Dresden Room because of the chandelier and ceramic garniture on the fireplace mantle. James Roosevelt purchased these items during one of his many trips to Dresden in the late nineteenth century. Despite Sara's insistence that James' taste prevailed in this room, it actually conveys her own ideas of proper decoration for a reception room. In addition to the Dresden objects displayed here, the room contains many furnishings acquired from China by the Delano family. Sara redecorated this room especially for the visit of the King and Queen of England in 1939. The framed portraits covering the top of the grand piano are gifts from heads of state, many who visited the Roosevelts at Hyde Park during FDR's presidency.

 

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Furnishings of Note

 

Gaming Table

When lacquered objects made in East Asia first reached Europe in about the early 16th century, they were highly prized for their flawless finish and light-reflecting qualities. European craftsmen attempted to imitate Asian lacquer to address the growing taste for such objects. In Europe, techniques imitating Asian lacquer were known by a variety of names, including 'Vernis Martin' in France and 'japanned' in Great Britain. European craftsmen were sent to China to ensure that furniture forms, such as this gaming table, were made according to Western taste.

FDR’s grandfather, Warren Delano Jr. made a large fortune trading opium in Canton, China. Delano achieved financial success and became the head partner of the largest American firm in the China trade. As a young girl, FDR’s mother Sara, lived for a time with her family in China. This gaming table may have been acquired by her family during that time, and was later brought to Hyde Park from Sara’s New York City townhouse.

 

Vase

Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1948-1933).