Design 1841 - 1884

Charles Hindley and Sons created this design for a pole screen using pen and brown ink with watercolor. The Hindley firm operated out of London and specialized in furniture and interior decoration, catering to the tastes of Britain's upper classes. Pole screens became fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their purpose was to shield the face from the intense heat of a fireplace. But beyond their function, they also signalled status. The design here, with its ornamented base and decorative tassels, evokes luxury and refinement. This drawing gives us insight into the late Victorian period. Mass production was changing how people acquired furnishings. But firms like Hindley continued to offer bespoke designs. The firm's location, 134 Oxford Street, placed it at the heart of London's shopping district, near other firms offering high-end goods. By studying trade directories, auction catalogs, and other archival material, we can understand more about the market for luxury goods and the role of firms like Hindley in shaping Victorian taste.