Victorian painted metal fire screen (tole ware), of quaint trefoil curved shape, with a central floral painting, gilt detail. The japan work and gilding is lovely, if somewhat obscured by age and wear. Measures H. 57cm W 53cm. Made to fit those iron coal fireplaces found in Victorian terrace houses. Has an oval metal maker's label on the reverse side "Patent Stove Decorator. Sole Maker. H. Fearncombe & Co". Henry Fearncombe was a japanning and tin plate worker with his own company. One trade directory described his company as a manufacturer of japanned iron, strong black tin wares and baths of every description. He died in 1856, but the company carried on for a time. This item would have been made circa 1850s. Very pretty, but some age wear to the painting and japanning, and an area of small tight bubbling. Very shabby chic, though, and would look lovely polished up in a true Victorian cottage. A rare survivor.

Decorative Interior
Antique Metalware