How do you adjust the panel height?

A friction collar or internal spring mechanism allows the central panel to slide smoothly along the vertical pole. You simply push the screen up or down to position it against the radiant heat. Over decades of use, these friction mechanisms require gentle handling to preserve the timber and ensure the panel remains securely positioned at your chosen height.

Where were they placed in the room?

These screens stood directly between sitting occupants and the open hearth to shield faces from intense coal or wood fires. Their adjustable panels allowed people to sit comfortably close to the fireplace without overheating. When not in use near the fire, they served as decorative furniture items placed against drawing room walls to display fine needlework and polished timber.

How do I identify a Regency period piece?

Regency examples often display classical influences such as rosewood graining, brass inlay, and crisp turned pillars on tripartite bases. Makers during this era favoured refined proportions and clean architectural lines. Examining the turning style and timber selection helps distinguish these early nineteenth-century pieces from later Victorian interpretations, which tended towards heavier proportions.

What materials are the panels made from?

Panels incorporate a diverse range of artistic mediums including wool needlework, silk embroidery, woven tapestry, and paper mâché. Some specialised examples utilise glass reflectors or framed satirical prints. The backing and frame typically match the primary timber of the stand, utilising mahogany, rosewood, or walnut to create a cohesive decorative object.