The folding screen

This fascinating study traces the development of the folding screen, from its conception in the Orient during the eighth century, to its adoption by Europeans in the sixteenth century, right up to its appropriation by twentieth-century artists.The screen fuses the fine and applied arts in a fascinating way, being both a practical object of furniture and a work of fine art. During its history, the screen has undergone a constantly intriguing and changing role. From its roots as a simple room divider it quickly established itself as a medium that could reflect the changing styles and fashions of art and design through the centuries.This lavishly illustrated book outlines the changing form and function of the screen as it has fallen in and out of favour throughout its history. Perhaps most popular during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the screen is now experiencing a resurgence of popularity in this time of loft apartments and studio living.Charles Hemming examines the work of many leading figures in the world of art and design who have adopted the screen as a medium. Turn-of -the-century artists such as Odilon Redon, Josef Hoffman and Alphonse Mucha are all featured, as are the pioneering designers Eileen Gray, Donald Deskey and Charles Eames. Screens produced by contemporary artists such as Jim Dine, Allen Jones, Danny Lane and Kenneth Armitage are also examined in detail. This book is essential reading for all those with an interest in interior design, art history and the decorative arts in general.