How do you adjust the height?

A small brass thumbscrew or friction collar secures the panel to the central wooden pole. Loosening this mechanism allows the screen to slide up and down before being fixed in the desired position. This movement requires gentle handling to protect the aged timber pole and the mechanical fitting from unnecessary wear.

Were these used for cooking?

These screens served primarily to protect sitters from the intense glare and radiant heat of an open coal fire. They shielded the face from overheating and prevented wax cosmetics from melting. They stood between the hearth and the armchair, remaining movable as the room temperature shifted throughout the evening.

How do I date an antique screen?

Stylistic clues within the carved base and the timber choice point toward specific eras such as the Georgian, Regency, or Victorian periods. Heavier rosewood and elaborate carving often signal later Victorian production, while simpler tripod proportions align with earlier decades. Hardware details and the style of the needlework panel provide additional supporting evidence for the period of manufacture.

Can I place one near a modern radiator?

Dry artificial heat from modern radiators can cause antique timbers to warp and delicate textiles to become brittle. Placing these screens away from direct heat sources helps preserve the wood and the stitched panel. Stable indoor humidity and indirect sunlight protect the historic materials from fading and cracking over time.