Hand Screen
1800-1810 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and stained wood; carved ivory; straw-work |
| Brief description | Hand screen, decorated with straw marquetry, English, 1800-1810 |
| Physical description | Hand screen, wood covered with straw work, partly stained; the handle is carved with ivory. The screen has a shaped outline. On the front is a panel containing a view of buildings and trees with a rowing boat on a sheet of water surrounded by plain borders. The baluster handle is carved with bands of leaf and geometrical ornament. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Miss Heath |
| Object history | Given to the V&A in 1907 by Miss Heath [M. 3525/07]. Possibly made by a Napoleonic prisoner of war. |
| Association | |
| Summary | Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 722-1907 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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