Transform a 1950’s wooden shutter into a folding screen  

I would zip tie or chain to wall like a tip-restraint for a bureau. Probably wouldn’t float it.

I like the aesthetic and nature of your posts and questions.

Hi @objectworship

Thanks for the compliment. The goal is to really have it freestanding, will try some different things. 

For technical questions it's always good to rely on @tktoo2 

@maber_interior, @herringbone, Let's see if I can put this in terms that make sense: Perhaps the easiest approach to fashion a sinuous wave pattern screen from loose slats would be to construct a series of rigid, semi-cylindrical sections by attaching semi-circular metal bands near the tops and bottoms of each section. The bands would be visible from one side but could be placed alternately on insides and outsides (so as to be visible only from one side once assembled) or painted. Sections could then be attached to each other by simple pintle-and-gudgeon hinges for easy disassembly and storage.

Flexible copper pipe (in rolls) can be made into that sort of sine wave shape.  The 1/2" size might be stiff enough with one strand top, middle and bottom, horizontally and lashed with wire.  I suppose the copper will stain the wood eventually but that might be patina one could live with?

Thank you for your answers @harry @tktoo2 will keep you updated of the following steps. 

@maber_interior, Bon chance and please do keep us updated. This place needs new blood!

@tktoo2 haha, i saw...I'll maybe share other projects too

Update, managed to get a metal wire through. Four 3 more to go! upper part is stable now.
Finding a way to have a nice and suiting end cap for the wire. 

@maber_interior,

Hmmm... Are you using solid wire or cable (wire rope)?

Curious to see a photo of the backside (verso) showing the original metal plates, too, if you don't mind.

@tktoo2 

Indeed a rope wire, pulled through the holes that are in the slats. The metal plates are invisible when the slats are together. Here an image of the back, the wire is really in the slats. 

@maber_interior,

Thanks, but I guess I just don't understand the need to replace or reinforce the original metal connectors. Is it that they don't offer enough flexibility or too much? Or are they not secure?

Off to today's job site. Response necessarily delayed...

Edit: The only cable connectors/terminals I've ever used for critical applications have been Nicopress(R) swage fittings.

@tktoo2 yes you are right, the original metal plates have long gaps between them so they're not solid/tight and will always leave space between the slats since they're movable. Here a photo: