Help identifying this fire screen please.

Hello. I am hoping someone has some info on this fire screen. I've not come across one quite like this before. All centre panels are cross stitched. I am looking for an estimated date? Or any general info if anyone can help. Thank you in advance.

 

Greetings, Susiecc! Seems to me that fabric on a true fire screen would be inappropriate and a fire hazard. Is there something on the back side that would be better suited? How about showing a picture of the back and giving measurements.

 

the fabric screens would be used while the fire was off.....so as not to show an ugly black fire pit...

 

Thanks for the reply's! I've added a photo of the back.Those panels are also cross stitched. Measurements are (fully opened out) 87cm H x 72cm wide.

 

I'd think 1920s or 1930s. But that pattern doesn't look particularly American. What do others think?

Debora

 

There are 2 layers of fabric because you don't see the same needlepoint pattern on the back. 28 inches fully extended is rather small for a typical late 20th century US fireplace but could be more appropriate for the UK - and Susie seems to be from the UK (am I right, Susie?)

 

Yes, I’m from the U.K. Do you think there could be another use for it other than a fire screen? It’s intriguing as to why so much time would have been taken to create the back panels if they would be facing the fire. I’ve only ever come accross fire screens with needlework on the front. And usually glass covered. I do love that it’s not though, you can feel the stitches!

 

Maybe it was made to go in front of a decommissioned fireplace or stove?

 

Yes That's an idea. maybe that's why it didn't need the glass then?

 

Certainly possible!

 

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge, really pleased I found this site!

 

I don’t think it is a firescreen only because I’ve not seen a folding two panel like that.
These are typical firescreens that I’m used to seeing here in the U.S..
A firescreen with needlepoint, tapestry or fabric is for controlling the heat radiated from a log fire not to control stray sparks or rolling logs.

 

Thank you for the pictures and info, really helpful. I haven't found a panelled one similar either. I'm still on the hunt though! I wonder what else it would have been made/used for?

 

Purely decorative maybe?

 

That's my thought.

 

A summer screen to cover up an unattractive grate? Or block a draft in a cooler climate?

Debora

 

I have come across draught excluders on my hunt this evening Debora. who knew there were so many different types?! I would like to find out more about the cross stitch too so I'll keep hunting. If I do find anything of interest I'll add it to the thread.

 

Did no one see this year's Jane Austen film 'Emma.'? A whole running joke is how her dad lives in fear of draughts & constantly thinks he feels one, trying to get confirmation from others & instructing the servants to move this screen or that - the house is full of them - to shield him. I couldn't find a clip of him doing this, but you can see bits of him in some scenes here, & the action in the last one can only take place because he himself has moved a screen so it is around the couple. If the actor looks familiar, it might be because he played Scrimgeour, successor to Cornelius Fudge as Minister of Magic.

 

I deleted my own post here.