The first impression of the interior of the residence is the great flying arch which carries the twin staircases of Indiana lime-stone up to the main floor and reception rooms.

Facing the visitor at the end of the hall is a typical Lutyens decorative arch. On the walls above the stairs are copies of Allan Ramsey's portraits of King George III (1760-1820) and Queen Charlotte.

The three street scenes paintings are by the British artist John Piper, representing Britain’s most famous spa towns: Cheltenham, Brighton and Bath. The paintings, part of a set of five, were commissioned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1949 for the British Embassy in Rio de Janeiro. When the capital of Brazil moved to Brasilia the set was split up. The Government Art Collection has reassembled the group in the Washington residence.

 
Move on to the Library.