Vintage Drawing Room in Fredericksburg, VA, 1953

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston, taken in Fredericksburg, Virginia, showcases a well-appointed drawing room featuring distinctive seating furniture, elegant moldings, and alcoves. Johnston, an esteemed photographer known for her architectural work, captured this image on commission from Mrs. Devore of Chatham, highlighting the interior design trends of the early to mid-20th century.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative aimed at documenting significant structures and interiors in the region. This survey reflects the artistic and historical values of Southern architecture, providing a rich resource for historians and enthusiasts alike.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image is preserved in the Library of Congress. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and design aesthetics prevalent in Fredericksburg during the era, making it a valuable piece for collectors and those interested in American architectural history.