CHAPTER X
SCREENS AND SCREEN STANDS
The best of all screens for lantern purposes is undoubtedly a smooth whitewashed wall, and this is now provided in many halls where lantern exhibitions are usual. In places where this is not practicable the next best substitute is a canvas
screen, which rolls up and down (Fig. 48). This can be obtained from any good maker, but again can only really be used as a fixture in the hall where the lantern is to be used. It can, however, be fitted into a wooden box which can be painted or varnished to suit the other architecture, and the provision of such a screen is to be strongly recommended whenever possible. If portability is required, a linen or calico sheet that can be folded up is necessary, but this can never be hung absolutely flat, and also loses a considerable amount of light by transmission.
A so-called 'transparent' sheet is made of very thin linen, and intended to work with the lantern behind it, showing the picture through the linen to the audience on the other side, but this is seldom used except in the open air for religious or political meetings, &c.
An opaque sheet can be had in one piece up to 9 feet square; larger sizes than this must have at least one seam, and most skilful sewing is necessary, especially with large sheets consisting of several strips sewn together.
Sheets such as these are usually supplied with either eyelet holes round the edges or else linen tapes sewn on, and the exact method of hanging must be left to circumstances.