What is a pole screen used for?

A pole screen stood near the hearth to protect delicate complexions from the fierce heat of an open fire. Ladies sat behind them to prevent their makeup from melting. The adjustable panel allowed the user to raise or lower the shield depending on where the heat struck. They served as both practical furniture and decorative room accents.

How do you adjust the panel?

The sliding shield moves vertically along the turned wooden pole, held in place by friction or a brass thumbscrew. This mechanism allows precise height placement. Over decades of use, the internal fittings can wear. Gentle handling ensures the wood and brass components remain undamaged during adjustment.

What woods were used?

Mahogany forms the majority of surviving examples from the georgian and regency periods. Cabinetmakers also utilised rosewood, ebonised wood, and lacquered surfaces. These dense timbers provided the necessary weight for the tripod base to support the elevated panel safely. Finer pieces often featured decorative carving along the legs and standard.

Are the needlework panels original?

Needlework panels often date from the nineteenth century even when the mahogany stand originates in the eighteenth century. Textiles wore out quickly and required replacement. Examining the stitching and the rear of the frame helps determine the age of the fabric. Many screens show a combination of periods through later re-covering.