Embroidered screen

This two-leaf embroidered firescreen is an excellent example of Century Guild furniture. It combines the aesthetics of traditional European furniture with swirling, undulating patterns that were very new in the late nineteenth century. The pattern featured sinuous plant-forms inspired by marine biology, a motif Mackmurdo often employed in the 1880s. The satinwood frame of the screen is also adorned with ornate finials that resemble buds or shoots.

The screen’s blue silk panels depict twisting shapes of lilies embroidered in cream and yellow, with gold thread. The lilies also incorporate the initials ‘CG’ signifying the Century Guild. The screen was exhibited on the Century Guild's stand at the Inventions Exhibition held in London in 1885.