What is an antique draught screen used for?

An antique draught screen serves to block cold air currents moving across a room from doors or windows. They also function as movable room dividers to create private seating areas or partition large spaces. Smaller versions, known as firescreens, sit before hearths to protect individuals from the intense radiant heat of an open fire when unlit or dying down.

How do I care for a leather screen?

Leather screens require stable indoor humidity levels to prevent the material from drying out or cracking over time. Keep them away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources like radiators. Dust the painted and gilt surfaces gently with a soft, dry cloth without applying modern cleaning sprays or liquid polishes.

What is the difference between a fire screen and a room divider?

A fire screen is typically a single-panel or pole-mounted screen designed specifically to stand in front of a fireplace. They feature heat-resistant materials like brass, iron, or needlepoint set into a stable base. Room dividers consist of multiple folding panels designed to stand independently on the floor to partition an entire living space.

How do I date an antique screen?

Dating relies on examining the framing timber, hinge construction methods, and the style of the decorative panels. Victorian pieces often feature heavy needlepoint, walnut, or elaborate giltwood frames. Earlier eighteenth-century examples frequently display Chinese Coromandel lacquer or embossed Cordoban leather, while Edwardian and later pieces adopt lighter mahogany frames or Arts and Crafts copper details.