Aesthetic Movement Folding Room Divider Screen

Art and Decorative

SOLD

A rare three fold Aesthetic Movement room divider screen of substantial proportions.

The front inset double panels are covered with Lincrusta. Invented in 1877 by Frederick Walton, who had already pioneered the development of linoleum floor coverings in the 1860s, Lincrusta is a durable and paintable wallcovering made from a paste of gelled linseed oil and wood flour spread onto a paper base, which is then embossed in various designs using metal rollers. Originally patented as Linoleum Muralis (Linoleum for walls), it was soon renamed Lincrusta-Walton; Lin for Linum, or flax, from which linseed oil is made, and Crusta (relief), with the addition of the inventor’s name to prevent others copying the title. Replacing painstaking artisan plasterwork, it was (and still to an extent remains) a durable, paintable and washable wallcovering, particularly popular throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods for dados, friezes and ceilings in homes, businesses, public buildings, railway carriages and ocean liners.

This floral design also includes intricate spider webs (and their owners!) It was produced by Dr Christopher Dresser (1834-1904), widely considered to be the earliest independent industrial designer and design theorist, a pivotal figure in the Aesthetic Movement, for the Paris Exhibition of 1878. Source: The Illustrated Catalogue of the Paris International Exhibition, 1878, Virtue & Co Ltd, London, page 175.

The rear panels are covered with another wallpaper, in a design featuring exotic birds, flowers and bugs.

Heavy ebonised bevelled wood frame with bidirectional gilded hinges, stringing and rosettes to the lobed upright tops.

In unrestored, worn country house condition, with dents and tearing to some of the panels, but stable overall, still eminently useable with a wonderful patina.

English, circa 1880.

Dimensions:

Height: 173 cm (approximately 68 inches)

Overall width (flat): 163 cm (approximately 64.25 inches)

Width of individual panels: 54 cm (21.25 inches)

Please enquire for delivery cost.