A remarkable mid-19th century English Gothic Revival telescoping table fan screen, constructed in patinated bronze and brass and retaining its original-style pleated green paper fan.
The richly cast base incorporates Gothic architectural motifs including pointed arches, tracery and foliate ornament, supporting a slender telescoping column with complementary Gothic Revival decoration. The brass inner cylinder extends upward to reveal the folding green fan screen, which collapses neatly within the column when not in use.
The underside retains its period printed Day’s Patent label identifying the object as a chimney ornament and referencing its Gothic architectural design. These ingenious Victorian objects were both decorative and functional, designed for use near the hearth as a small protective screen.
An unusual survivor of mid-19th century English decorative arts combining Gothic Revival design with clever mechanical construction.
Origin: England Date: Mid-19th century Style: Gothic Revival Materials: Patinated bronze, brass and paper Maker/Patent: Day’s Patent Height: Approximately 9 inches closed; approximately 17 inches extended
Condition: The pleated paper fan exhibits age-related wear and splitting. The telescoping mechanism extends, but the fan does not currently remain open on its own. Bronze and brass surfaces exhibit patination and wear consistent with age.
