What is a pole screen?

A pole screen is a specific form of fire screen that mounts a decorative panel onto a vertical wooden shaft. The panel can be slid up or down and secured at various heights. This adjustment allowed people to shield their faces from the direct heat of the grate while sitting in the parlour.

How were these screens used?

These screens were placed between seating areas and the fireplace to block excessive radiant heat and protect delicate complexions from the flames. They also served to hide an unlit hearth during the warmer summer months. In daily use, families positioned them near armchairs or sofas to regulate comfort as the fire burned down.

Are the needlework panels original?

Many screens retain their original nineteenth-century needlework, tapestry, or embroidery panels worked in wool and silk. These panels reflect the domestic handcraft skills typical of the period. Because textiles were vulnerable to wear and fading, some surviving pieces feature later replacement stitchwork or restored frames.

What is the difference between a brass guard and a wood screen?

Brass guards and spark guards are constructed entirely of metal to sit directly before the hearth and contain spitting embers. Wood and papier-mâché screens rely on heavy timber bases to support textile or glass panels placed further back in the room. Each type served a distinct role in managing the safety and comfort of a nineteenth-century fireplace.