Accession Number

985.027.001a-b

Description

Adjustable firescreen that can be raised and lowered along a pole. The screen is a rosewood frame with barley twist columns on either side of the central panel. Framed within the screen is a needlework representation of a peacock behind glass.

Narrative

This firescreen can be raised and lowered along the central support to better shield the user from the heat of a fire.

The peacock is worked in turkey stitch. Turkey work is a needlework technique used to create a three-dimensional, tufted design. Derived from Turkish carpet knot techniques, but worked with a needle, the stitch can be left looped or cut, as in this case, to form a dense, plush pile.

The background is Berlin wool work. Berlin Wool work is a style of counted thread needlework, a technique where stitches are made at regular intervals across the support fabric. Worked in a cross-stitch or tent stitch across the entire support fabric, it creates a strong, durable material that is perfect for upholstery. Uncharacteristically, the stitching on this piece of needlework does not cover the entire support fabric.

Berlin wool work became extremely popular in the mid 19^th century. The pre-printed, easy to follow patterns were accessible to the growing middle class and the development of synthetic dyes allowed detailed shading to be used to depict realistic, almost three dimensional designs.

History of Use

Unknown

Date

circa 1850 – 1860

Material

Wood, rosewood; Fabric, wool; Glass

Technique

Carved; Stitched; Turned