Embroidered Fire Screen c. 1937

Ernest A. Towers, Jr. produced this embroidered fire screen at an unknown date, employing techniques of textile art, as well as carpentry. Fire screens were more than mere objects; they were silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of social life within the home. The screen’s central image, portraying a woman, might offer insight into gender roles, social status, and idealised versions of femininity during the time it was made. Further, the design and craftsmanship embodies the cultural values around domesticity, comfort, and taste. By examining archival sources, design history, and social commentaries, we can decipher the cultural codes embedded within this ornate object. This approach illuminates the reciprocal relationship between art, society, and the institutions that shape our understanding of both.