September Issue 1999
The Gallery at Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC, to Host prestigious Presidential China 1789-1999 Exhibit
Set Momjian acquired his first piece of Presidential china over 40 years ago, almost by accident. To obtain two Thomas Jefferson letters, he agreed to take an Abraham Lincoln plate as part of the deal.
Before long, the extra pieces became the next collection. Today, Set and his wife Joan, hold the largest collection of Presidential china outside of the White House itself, with thousands of examples in his holdings. Each President who had an official china service is represented in the collection.
Periodically, small portions of Set and Joan's collection have been loaned to Presidential libraries and museums. But from Sept. 18 - Mar. 26, it will be Winston-Salem's turn to host the first major display from the Momjians' private holdings.
Changing patterns reflecting the tastes of Presidents and First Ladies will be shown during The Pleasure of Your Company: Presidential China 1787-1999, along with the silver place settings, stemware, and place cards that created the tables suitable for foreign dignitaries and heads of state. The display will also include details that further reveal the lifestyle of the White House families represented by the china collection.
In addition to china that once resided in the White House, samples from Air Force One and the Presidential yacht Sequoia will also be displayed in The Gallery at Old Salem.
A wide scope of special programming, including puppet shows for children, lectures, book signings and other activities, is also on tap, chiefly on Sat. and Sun. throughout the run of the exhibit. Calendar information on these special events will be available on the Old Salem web site (www.oldsalem.org).
For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings or call the gallery at 1-888/323-5361, 336/721-7300.
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