Fire Screen

Date1795-1815

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Staunton (possibly)

MediumMahogany, paper, iron, wool and silk

DimensionsOH: 30 15/16"; OW: 38 7/16" (open); OW: 19 3/16" (closed); OD: 3/4" (Feltwork panels: OH: 18 3/8"; OW: 17 1/4")

Credit LineGift of The Honorable and Mrs. George M. Cochran

Object number2004-139

DescriptionAPPERANCE: Folding screen with feltwork panels (panels date to ca. 1830-1860). Rectangular mahogany screens with inset panels (feltwork on obverse, wallpaper and prints on reverse); turned columnar legs terminating in turned ball feet.
CONSTRUCTION: Two identical screens are connected with two mortised butt hinges to form a folding screen. Each screen is comprised of two stiles mortised into a top rail and a median and bottom rail mortised into the stiles. Upper interior textile panels are secured with ¼" quarter round moldings tacked in place. The Wallpaper/print panels on the reverse (exterior) side are secured with ½" tacked moldings. The lower wood panels are secured with quarter round trim that is integral to the stiles and rails. One turned leg is original and is integral to the stile; the others have been joined to the stiles with dowels.ProvenanceThe screen has an unbroken provenance from the original owner, Archibald Stuart, through five generations to the donor: Archibald Stuart (1757-1832) to son Alexander Hugh Holmes Stuart (1807-1891) to daughter Margaret Stuart Robertson (1855-1832) to daughter Susan Robertson Cochran (1887-1975) to son George Moffett Cochran (1912-).