WHEN I started in the business I always thought pole screens were simply decorative items.

A pole screen is a bit like a broom handle that sits on a tripod base with a tapestry screen that moves up and down.

Well, like all things, there is a purpose to it. Our lady ancestors did not benefit from the cosmetics that women have at their disposal today.

Our great, great, great, great etc grannies used a mixture that was like a cross between Polyfila and wax. A roaring fire would have caused the concoction to melt and so the screen was placed between them and the fire to avoid embarrassment.