Firescreen 1760 - 1790

This mahogany firescreen was made in Newport, Rhode Island, probably between 1760 and 1790 by John Townsend. It represents an interesting intersection of the decorative arts and social life in colonial America. Firescreens like this one weren't just functional objects to protect one from the heat of the hearth. They were also symbols of status, indicating a level of refinement and wealth, and would often be placed prominently in the most public rooms of a house. The needlework panel adds another layer to this, likely produced by women in the household, and would reflect their skill, taste, and education. This firescreen gives us a glimpse into the domestic lives of the colonial elite. It is an eloquent reminder of the way in which class and gender relations were intertwined. Researching objects like these, we can learn a lot from probate inventories, diaries, and pattern books. By combining all these sources, we get a fuller sense of the lives and social conditions that shaped its creation.