Images(2)

Fire Screen

Date1745-1770

OriginEngland

MediumMahogany, silk

DimensionsOH: 47 1/2"; OW (PANEL): 25 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-194

DescriptionFolding mahogany fire screen: double screen of identical panels hinged at center; each panel composed of rectangular stiles extending to floor; exterior stile molded on outside edge; rectangular bottom rail, scalloped on bottom edge; pierced corner brackets below rail on either side; stretcher near base composed of three alternating carved "C" scrolls; panels covered with old pink and cream silk damask with new woven tape edging on front side; back covered with plain cream silk (modern) edged in cream silk tape.
Label TextThomas Chippendale illustrated three varieties of fire screen in his Gentleman and Cabinetmaker’s Director: pole screens, folding screens, and horse fire screens. These screens were placed to reduce the intensity of a fire's heat on a nearby sitter or to ward off drafts. They often had screens of needlework, textile, or ornamented paper.
MarkingsNone found