On May 1st, the W Hotel, in collaboration with FotoDC and Brightest Young Things, hosted an opening reception of the White House News Photographers Association’s presidential photography archive. The collection highlights the personal and professional ventures of presidents and politicians, from 1900 to the present. The collection will continue to show in the Living Room, located just off the main lobby, until May 20th. Keep scrolling to see a few of my favorite photos from the collection.
Collages of photos from various presidencies were superimposed on existing architecture in the Living Room, creating a very organic display of the collection. Each collage displayed a random assortment from various decades and presidencies. Below you will see presidential nominee Mitt Romney on the campaign trail during the 2012 election cycle, FDR and wife Eleanor, and Michelle Obama taking an all-American trip to Target.
There were many photos of politicians outside of the office. Here we have John Boehner and Barack Obama spending some much needed quality time over 18 holes. You’ll also see Bill Clinton throwing around the ol’ pigskin.
And of course, we can’t forget First Lady fashion. President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy showing off their finest threads during the 1981 Presidential Inaugural Ball.
A personal favorite of mine, 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, meeting a 16 year-old, Bill Clinton, while he was visiting the White House through the American Legion Boys Nation program. Who would have known that several decades later, this young boy would become the 42nd president.
As always, the W Hotel hosted an awesome party! In addition to the amazing photo collection, great music and delicious libations added to the overall vibe of the evening.
Make sure you check out this must-see collection before May 20th, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. While there, don’t forget to use #WDCSnapped when showing off your favorites via Instagram or Twitter.