Michael Sofoulis Available

The design and construction of this firescreen have been testing for Michael. He has made square and rectangular firescreens previously, but departed out of his comfort zone to produce one with a domed top. And as we are now perpetually broke, he had to recycle and fabricate every part himself.

The curved top was the first big challenge. A two person job to bend the steel whilst heating it. Fortunately, Michael had the assistance of Ryan, a friend and qualified electrician and tradesman who has been staying with us

The curved top was completed with a minimum of fuss. Then the doors were constructed. Doors, what doors? The only firescreen I’d ever owned consisted of one rectangular piece that moved by being lifted out of the way of the fireplace. I had the first inkling that this screen was going to be rather more sophisticated.

Then the mesh was laid out, which had to be pop-rivetted to the door frames. Which began with drilling a multitude of holes for the pop rivets to be popped. There was definitely more to this firescreen building that met the eye.

And the hinges. Made by Michael and then welded into position on the edges of the frame. Then he decided to add bolts to the front so the doors could be secured.

Then the whole screen was painted in black. The finishing touches – drilling attachment points to the fireplace bricks. Fixing the fire screen in place. Admiring the finished product.

Now available to order through the East End Gallery