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Hand Screen

1718 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This panel for a handscreen was originally mounted on a carved bone handle. It is one of a pair, and is dated 1718. Handscreens were designed to screen a woman's face from the heat of a domestic fire. They would usually be kept in pairs, at the ready, by the mantelpiece.

Handscreens are typical of the type of small furnishing or dress accessory that might be decorated with silk embroidery by a woman at home, either for her own domestic use or to give as a present. Handles could be bought separately, on which the embroidery would be mounted.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen canvas, embroidered with silk in Florentine stitch
Brief description
embroidered linen, 1718,English, made by Dorcas Haines
Physical description
A flame stitch embroidered handscreen.
Dimensions
  • Height: 26.5cm
  • Width: 25cm
Marks and inscriptions
DH 1718 (Signature; date; Haines, Dorcas)
Credit line
Given by Mrs Graham Kerr
Summary
This panel for a handscreen was originally mounted on a carved bone handle. It is one of a pair, and is dated 1718. Handscreens were designed to screen a woman's face from the heat of a domestic fire. They would usually be kept in pairs, at the ready, by the mantelpiece.

Handscreens are typical of the type of small furnishing or dress accessory that might be decorated with silk embroidery by a woman at home, either for her own domestic use or to give as a present. Handles could be bought separately, on which the embroidery would be mounted.
Collection
Accession number
T.93-1934

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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