What is the Oval Office desk called?
The current Oval Office desk is called the Resolute Desk. It has been used by most US presidents since 1880, with a few exceptions, and is a gift from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
The desk currently used in the Oval Office is named the Resolute Desk. This iconic piece of furniture has been a fixture in the President’s workspace for decades and is a symbol of the American presidency. Its name, ‘Resolute,’ reflects the strength and determination associated with the office it serves.
The Resolute Desk was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom in 1880. It was built from the timbers of the British arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute. The desk was designed by William Evenden, an employee of the Royal Dockyard at Chatham, England. It is a large, sturdy piece, measuring 72 inches long, 53 inches deep, and 30.5 inches high (approximately 183 cm x 135 cm x 77 cm).
Interestingly, the Resolute Desk is not a permanent fixture for every president. While it has been used by most presidents since its arrival, some have opted for different desks. However, it remains the most recognized and historically significant desk associated with the Oval Office. Its imposing presence and the stories it could tell make it an enduring symbol of presidential power and history.
History of the Oval Office Desks
Before the Resolute Desk, presidents used various desks in the White House. However, the Resolute Desk’s arrival in 1880 marked a significant shift. President Hayes was the first to use it, and it quickly became a favored piece.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt had a special addition made to the Resolute Desk. He commissioned a three-inch-high addition to the front to conceal his braces, which he wore due to his polio. This modification is still present on the desk today. He also famously had panels carved into the front, depicting floral motifs and a presidential seal. These carvings are a distinctive feature of the Resolute Desk.
President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, chose to bring the Resolute Desk back to the Oval Office in 1961. They felt it best represented the dignity and importance of the presidential office. Since then, it has been used by most presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Some presidents, like Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, temporarily used other desks before returning to the Resolute.
There have been a few notable exceptions. President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the ‘Johnson Desk.’ President Nixon used the ‘Lincoln Desk’ for a period, which was a large, ornate piece that had belonged to Abraham Lincoln. However, the Resolute Desk’s enduring appeal and historical weight have made it the de facto standard for the Oval Office.
Other Desks Used in the Oval Office
While the Resolute Desk is the most famous, other desks have occupied the Oval Office. The ‘Lincoln Desk’ is a significant piece of history. Made from oak, it was used by President Lincoln in the White House. It’s a large, imposing desk that has a distinct, historical presence. President Nixon famously used this desk.
The ‘Johnson Desk’ is another notable desk. It’s a more modern-looking desk compared to the Resolute. President Lyndon B. Johnson used this desk, and it was later used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It offers a different aesthetic and functional feel to the Oval Office.
The ‘Special Partnership Desk,’ also known as the ‘Treaty Room Desk,’ was used by President Bill Clinton for a portion of his term. It’s a large, dark wood desk that provides a more traditional feel. President George W. Bush also used this desk before opting to return to the Resolute Desk.
Characteristics of the Resolute Desk
The Resolute Desk is constructed from oak timbers salvaged from the HMS Resolute. This gives it a unique historical provenance. The desk is designed with a kneehole in the front and drawers on the sides. It features ornate carvings on its base and panels, including the presidential seal and floral motifs, particularly those added during FDR’s tenure.
Its dimensions are substantial: 72 inches long, 53 inches deep, and 30.5 inches high (approximately 183 cm x 135 cm x 77 cm). The weight and solid construction contribute to its imposing presence. The desk is known for its durability and the sense of permanence it conveys.
The design includes a hidden compartment, a feature that has been incorporated into its history. The kneehole panel, which President Roosevelt modified, is a key feature that allows for comfortable seating for the president while maintaining the desk’s grandeur. The desk’s design promotes an image of stability and gravitas.
Presidential Desks and Their Historical Use
| Desk Name | Primary Material | Notable Presidents Who Used It | Era of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolute Desk | Oak (from HMS Resolute) | Hayes, FDR, Kennedy, Johnson, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, G.W. Bush, Obama, Biden | 1880–Present (with interruptions) |
| Lincoln Desk | Oak | Lincoln (original owner), Nixon | Mid-19th Century (Lincoln), 1969-1971 (Nixon) |
| Johnson Desk | Wood (specific type varies by account) | Eisenhower, Johnson | Mid-20th Century |
| Special Partnership Desk (Treaty Room Desk) | Dark Wood | Clinton, G.W. Bush | Late 20th Century – Early 21st Century |
FAQ
Why is the Oval Office desk called the Resolute Desk?
The desk is named the Resolute Desk because it was a gift from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, built from the timbers of the British arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute, symbolizing a ‘resolute’ spirit.
Has the Resolute Desk always been in the Oval Office?
No, while the Resolute Desk has been in the Oval Office since 1880, some presidents have chosen to use other desks for parts of their terms, though most have returned to the Resolute.
What modifications were made to the Resolute Desk?
President Franklin D. Roosevelt had a three-inch addition made to the front to conceal his braces, and he also commissioned carvings of floral motifs and the presidential seal on the front panels.
What is the significance of the wood used for the Resolute Desk?
The desk is made from the timbers of the HMS Resolute, a British arctic exploration ship. This unique origin gives the desk a special historical connection and provenance.