Pole fire screen
Samuel McIntire
(American, 1757–1811)
John Doggett
(1780–1857)
Elizabeth Derby West
(American, 1762–1814)
about 1801–1810
Object PlaceSalem, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/TechniqueMahogany, embroidered basket design in gilded, beaded, and fluted oval frame
DimensionsOverall: 150.5 x 54.6 x 51.4 cm (59 1/4 x 21 1/2 x 20 1/4 in.)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. William C. West
Accession number28.373
On View
On viewClassificationsFurniture
Collections
Fire screens protected a woman's complexion and heavy makeup from the heat and glare of the fire. They also provided a prominent place for women to display their needlework. Following a visit to Oak Hill, Reverend William Bentley, pastor of Salem's East Church, recorded that "the work of the room was finished by the needle of Mrs. West." The carving on the screen is related to the baskets of fruit and exotic flowers on the overmantel and above the door.
ProvenanceMade for Madam Elizabeth Derby (Mrs. Nathaniel West); descended in the West family to her grandson, William C. West; 1928, gift of Mrs. Wiliam C. (Abbie) West, 7 Summer Street, Salem, Massachusetts (Accession Date July 19, 1928)
