What is a needlework panel?

A needlework panel is a historic textile piece created using wool, silk, or linen on a canvas ground. These works survive from the eighteenth century as framed pictures or mounted components of household furnishings. They record the domestic handiwork and artistic tastes of the period, offering a direct link to historical textile traditions.

How were fire screens used?

Fire screens served a practical purpose in eighteenth-century rooms by shielding individuals from the intense radiant heat of open coal fires. They stood near hearths with adjustable panels to protect the face. Over time, these functional objects became decorative furniture pieces that displayed elaborate textile art within wooden frames.

What materials make up these panels?

The textile portions consist of natural fibres such as wool, silk, and linen canvas. Glass is occasionally present to shield the delicate stitched surface from dust and damage. Supporting furniture structures utilise dense hardwoods including mahogany and satinwood, characteristic of eighteenth-century cabinetmaking.