The Home Beautiful: The Butterflies and Ferns Firescreen, 1881



The Victoria & Albert Museum



We have examined other firescreens which were made to be placed in front of an empty fireplace in the summer both for a decorative effect and to reduce drafts. These screens often were fitted with panels of needlework or beaded textiles, painted scenes, or, in the case of this small screen, preserved wildlife or taxidermy. This lovely screen contains real ferns and butterflies which have been sandwiched between two layers of glass. A delicate frame of Japanese bamboo supports this natural scene of local flora and fauna.

Model & Co. of London was a specialist manufacturer of bamboo furniture from 1881-1900. In 1881, this screen by Model & Co. was praised for its beauty and originality, putting the company in the position of being labeled as “the aristocrats of bamboo manufacturers.”