New Art... The Dolley Madison Collection!

Dolley in later years - still displaying a charming,
and slightly mischievous, smile!

 For those in the know, Jackie Kennedy wasn't the only trendsetting First Lady.  Dolley Madison, wife of our third president James Madison, had style to spare.  So lively and charming was Dolley, that she often acted as White House hostess, and coveted guest, for subsequent chief executives.

Dolley is famous for saving the enormous portrait of George Washington when the British torched the White House during the War of 1812, and rightfully so.  This woman displayed pep and pluck in the face of many challenges, including a widowhood of exceedingly diminished circumstances.  But, so loved was Dolley by her friends, efforts were made to ensure that she was able to live in relative comfort, and from a prime address - a townhouse just across from the White House on Lafayette Square.

So, here's to Dolley!

Dolley''s red velvet gown.  Made from White House
curtains a la Scarlett O'Hara? 

One of Dolley's gowns - now in the collection
of the Smithsonian.

James and Dolley Madison - Dapper and Dreamy Style - at Montpelier.