A mahogany fire screen commemorating the F.A. Tour to South Africa in 1910, the hexagonal frame enclosing a printed woollen felt panel under glass, de
£250 - £350
A mahogany fire screen commemorating the F.A. Tour to South Africa in 1910, the hexagonal frame enclosing a printed woollen felt panel under glass, designed with botanical emblems of England and South Africa, roses and protea, surrounding a stylised brown button-end leather football, inscribed ENGLISH TOUR, 1910, MATCHES WON 23 LOST 0, GOALS 143 FOR 16 AG., FROM MARIST BOYS, CAPE TOWN, supported on stretcher feet and surmounted by a shaped carrying handle, height 89cm., 15in. This fire screen belonged to Charles James Hughes, the Football Association council member who was responsible for organising the first ever football tour to South Africa in 1910. Provenance: Bought at Sotheby's 7th December 1999 as lot 1, at the sale of property from the Hughes family descendants.