Antique Marble Fireplaces
Stunning antique marble fireplaces, mantels & chimneypieces made in variety of different antique marbles, including Sienna marble, Statuary marble, Cippolino marble and Verde antico marble.
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Stock: 6604
A fine and large Neoclassical fireplace in statuary and Siena marble. The thick moulded shelf of this fireplace rests on a frieze set with a generous panel of richly veined, yellow Siena marble, which is centred by a wreath and lyre tablet. Paterae endblocks over elegant jambs, which are also mounted with wide bands of Siena.
English, late 18th century, with restorations.
View our collection of: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
70 7⁄8"
180 cms |
53"
134.7 cms |
6 11⁄16"
17 cms |
| Internal |
46 1⁄8"
117 cms |
42 3⁄16"
107.2 cms |
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Listed Price: £32,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16566
A rare pair of very fine Louis XV marble fireplaces in a beautifully veined breche voilette marble. On each, the serpentine shelf is mounted over the serpentine frieze, beautifully carved with a central acanthine cartouche, which in turns rests on generous console jambs, their side returns fitted with fine brass vents.
It is extraordinarily rare to have an original pair of fireplaces of such quality.
French, mid-19th century.
Provenance: A fine house in Italy.
Outer footblock to footblock width 61" 155cms
View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63 13⁄16"
162 cms |
44 1⁄8"
112 cms |
17 1⁄4"
44 cms |
| Internal |
48 7⁄8"
124.3 cms |
36 7⁄8"
93.8 cms |
|
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Stock: 16564
An extremely striking French Pompadour Rococo fireplace in a boldly veined dove grey Bardiglio Fiorito marble. The serpentine panelled frieze is flanked by scrolling endblocks and supported on angled panelled jambs over plain footblocks. Small but perfectly formed, and an ideal size for a small room.
French, late 19th century.
Outer footblock to footblock 120cms.
View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
49 5⁄8"
126 cms |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
14 7⁄8"
37.8 cms |
| Internal |
34 13⁄16"
88.5 cms |
32 11⁄16"
83 cms |
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Stock: 6603
A large and antique Victorian arched fireplace in a soft grey St Anne marble. The moulded shelf rests on very simply spandrel panelled jambs, centred by a keystone. The whole rests on plain, generous footblocks.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 3⁄16"
183.5 cms |
46 1⁄2"
118.2 cms |
12 1⁄2"
31.7 cms |
| Internal |
37 11⁄16"
95.7 cms |
36 1⁄4"
92.2 cms |
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Listed Price: £10,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 6599
An elegant 19th century fireplace in beautifully veined pencil statuary marble. The wide shelf rests over a frieze with a slow arch, which is flanked by wide plain jambs mounted with applied shield decorations.
English or Scottish, c.1850.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 1⁄4"
181 cms |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
10 7⁄8"
27.8 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄8"
102.6 cms |
39"
99 cms |
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Listed Price: £6,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 6602
A strikingly simple early Victorian chimneypiece in a softly mottled grey and white Carrara marble. The flat shelf rests over a plain shelf and jambs.
English, c.1860.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
64 1⁄8"
162.7 cms |
47"
119.3 cms |
10 1⁄8"
25.7 cms |
| Internal |
38 3⁄8"
97.5 cms |
38 3⁄8"
97.5 cms |
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Stock: 16550
A wide and low Empire fireplace in a buttery crema Valencia marble. The moulded shelf rests on a panelled frieze, with deep scrolling console jambs.
French, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
60 13⁄16"
154.5 cms |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
14 13⁄16"
37.5 cms |
| Internal |
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
32 5⁄8"
82.7 cms |
|
Listed Price: £5,800 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 6598
A Large fireplace in a softly mottled Carrara marble. The serpentine shelf rests on generous corbels and canted jambs which flank the panelled frieze, centred by a keystone.
Belgian, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 1⁄4"
181 cms |
49 3⁄16"
124.9 cms |
17 1⁄8"
43.5 cms |
| Internal |
39 13⁄16"
101 cms |
39 1⁄8"
99.3 cms |
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Stock: 6597
A small French chimneypiece in an unusual, creamy orange marble with coral veining. The softly rounded opening is surrounded by a panelled frieze and jambs, the simplicity of which lets the marble sing.
French, late 19th century.
The depth can be reduced if desired.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
47 3⁄16"
120 cms |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
15 11⁄16"
39.8 cms |
| Internal |
30 11⁄16"
78 cms |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
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Listed Price: £2,200 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16551
A Louis XVI fireplace in a salmon coloured Buixcarro Crema Marble. The red hued marble is highlighted with decorative ormolu mounts.
French, c.1900.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 11⁄16"
146.6 cms |
42 13⁄16"
108.6 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
| Internal |
41 1⁄8"
104.3 cms |
33 1⁄4"
84.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £3,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 15648
An elegant chimneypiece of a good size in a pure white statuary marble with Siena marble ingrounds. The inverse breakfronted shelf rests over a crisply fluted frieze, which is mounted with a tablet, deftly carved with a reclining figure holding a harp. This detail is echoed on the endblocks, which are decorated with a foliate lyre and trumpets. These are mounted over the slender scrolling console jambs.
An interesting chimneypiece, spanning the stylistic gap between the Georgian and Regency periods.
English, c.1810, with restorations.
View our collection of: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
67 3⁄8"
171.3 cms |
52 7⁄8"
134.4 cms |
6 1⁄8"
15.5 cms |
| Internal |
42 7⁄8"
109 cms |
40 11⁄16"
103.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £18,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16387
The most charming Regency bullseye fireplace in slate, which has been cut across the grain to make a feature of the natural striations in the stone. Ordinarily slate fireplaces of this period were painted, but this one was carefully made to showcase the beauty of the stone.
The slender, moulded shelf, sits over a cushion moulded frieze and jambs.
English, c.1820.
View our collection of: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
54 1⁄2"
138.5 cms |
42 1⁄4"
107.5 cms |
7 11⁄16"
19.6 cms |
| Internal |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
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Stock: 15218
A very fine and grand 19th century arched fireplace in a pure white Bianco P marble. Perhaps the best feature of this fireplace is the exceptional carving; the moulded shelf rests on an underfrieze carved with an egg and dart moulding, which in turn sits above the beautifully carved stop-fluted freize, with a central ribboned garland of laurel leaves. The beautifully stepped and panelled jambs are also decorated with deftly carved ribboned laurel. These substantial jambs enclose an arched opening with very decorative foliate spandrels.
Belgian, mid-19th century.
Outside footblock to outside footblock 182.3cm
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
76 3⁄8"
194 cms |
47 7⁄8"
121.7 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
| Internal |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
32 1⁄2"
82.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £22,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 15895
A fine Louis XVI fireplace in boldly veined green and violet Breche Violette marble, with floral endblock paterae either side of the low fluted frieze, supported on acanthus leaf adorned jambs. Cast iron insert not available.
French, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
52 13⁄16"
134.2 cms |
42 1⁄4"
107.5 cms |
14 5⁄8"
37 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.5 cms |
33 1⁄4"
84.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £12,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16514
One of a pair of Victorian corbel fireplaces, in a richly figured Languedoc marble. Elegant in its simplicity, the fireplace features a wide shelf over simply moulded corbels. Pair to Stock No. 16513.
English, c.1880.
Outside footblock to outside footblock: 155.5cm
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
69 5⁄8"
176.7 cms |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
13 1⁄8"
33.4 cms |
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38 1⁄4"
97.2 cms |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
|
Listed Price: £4,200 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16513
One of a pair of Victorian corbel fireplaces, in a richly figured Languedoc marble. Elegant in its simplicity, the fireplace features a wide shelf over simply moulded corbels. Pair to Stock No. 16513.
English, c.1880.
Outside footblock to outside footblock: 155.5cm
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
69"
175.3 cms |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
13 1⁄8"
33.3 cms |
| Internal |
39"
99 cms |
38 1⁄4"
97.4 cms |
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Listed Price: £4,200 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 14168
An antique Louis XIV Chimneypiece in exceptionally beautiful, richly veined Ribbon Campan marble. The generously moulded bolection opening with rounded corners is set within a simple moulded frame with concave corners, all set below the nicely moulded break front shelf.
French, Late 19th century.
Campan marble comes from the high French Pyrenees, were it has been quarried since Antiquity. The area produces a variety of beautiful, richly veined coloured marbles, such as Campan Gran Mélange, Campan Vert, Ribbon Campan and the deep red Rouge Griotte. These were much prized and used in the apartments in Versailles during the reign of Louis XVI for chimneypieces and wall panels. Campan Vert and Campan Gran Mélange are extensively used on the walls of the Escalier de la Reine (the Queen’s stairs) Versailles.
View our collection of fireplaces: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| external |
57 1⁄2"
146 cms |
45 3⁄8"
115.4 cms |
15 1⁄2"
39.3 cms |
| internal |
39"
99 cms |
36 1⁄2"
92.7 cms |
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Listed Price: £6,800 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 14188
A fine French Louis XV chimneypiece in a softly mottled Carrara marble, which epitomises the Rococo style. The wide, moulded serpentine shelf rests on the boldly carved console jambs, which flank the serpentine opening, centred by a rocaille cartouche .
French, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| externali |
65"
165 cms |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
16 1⁄2"
42 cms |
| internal |
|
|
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Listed Price: £16,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 12837
A large and dramatic French Baroque fireplace in boldly veined green Verde Naoussa marble with detailed spandrels a large shaped opening over substantial footblocks.
French mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| External |
62 3⁄16"
158 cms |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
| Interior |
45 11⁄16"
116 cms |
33 7⁄8"
86 cms |
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Listed Price: £8,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 14549
A large, rare and imposing late George II English Rococo chimneypiece with strong Palladian influences carved in white Statuary Marble and inlaid with panels of Verde Tinos Marble. The panelled frieze, beneath a moulded serpentine shelf, is centred by a richly carved 'pelta' scroll cartouche with very finely carved trailing jasmine sprigs flanked on the endblocks by large C Scrolls. The generously scrolling, canted console jambs, with linked cartouche and acanthus detail, terminate in single hart's tongue fern fronds and are supported on simple foot blocks. Provenance: The Earls of Minto, Minto House, Roxburghshire, Scotland.
English, circa 1750-1760
Shown here with andirons SNo 10202 now sold.
Attributed to Sir Robert Taylor, but awaiting further research.
Minto House Notes:
This 18th century chimneypiece was selected by the 4th Earl of Minto to be installed in the Octagonal Drawing Room of Minto House by the decorators W. Turner Lord & Company, of 120 Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, London, whose estimate for the works was dated 18 September 1891.
The tower of an earlier property had been incorporated by William Adam in his design for Minto House around 1740 and the House has subsequently undergone various expansions. One was carried our by Archibald Elliot at the beginning of the 19th century, it was further altered by William Playfair in 1837 and was finally enlarged by Robert Lorimer at the end of the 19th century. Minto House was owned by the Elliott family and the Earls of Minto for several centuries but from the mid 1960s it began to fall into disrepair and suffering from increasing neglect it slowly deteriorated to a state where it was finally demolished in 1992.
View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
83 1⁄2"
212 cms |
61"
155 cms |
13"
33 cms |
| Internal |
56 1⁄4"
143 cms |
46 1⁄2"
118 cms |
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Stock: 16378
A rare 18th century French Louis XV chimneypiece carved from Belgian black marble. The moulded serpentine shelf rests over a dramatic Rococo frieze, carved with a central rocaille motif and foliate flourishes. This is flanked by very unusual endblocks centred by a rose, over canted Rococo jambs.
Belgian, c.1770.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 7⁄8"
175 cms |
46 11⁄16"
118.5 cms |
13 3⁄8"
34 cms |
| Internal |
45 1⁄8"
114.5 cms |
40"
101.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £10,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16208
A super simple and very stylish French carrara marble fireplace, in the bolection style. Unlike English bolections, this fireplace has the useful addition of a shelf making it a practical choice when you are looking to decorate a mantelpiece.
French circa 1900.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| External |
53 1⁄8"
135 cms |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
9 3⁄8"
24 cms |
| Internal |
39"
99 cms |
33 7⁄8"
86 cms |
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Listed Price: £5,700 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 15906
A large and imposing fireplace in Belgian black marble. This striking fireplace has a very deep shelf which rests on freestanding fluted columns which are mounted with ormolu capitals and collars, which echo the subtle ormolu embellishments on the frieze. This frames the stepped bolection ingrounds. A true statement piece.
Belgian, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
69 7⁄8"
177.5 cms |
50"
127 cms |
17 1⁄2"
44.5 cms |
| Internal |
36 11⁄16"
93.3 cms |
23 5⁄8"
60 cms |
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Listed Price: £18,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16353
A very fine Louis XV Rococo fireplace in a breche marble with deep violet veining.
French, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
56 7⁄8"
144.5 cms |
42 1⁄4"
107.5 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
| Internal |
39 5⁄8"
100.5 cms |
34 5⁄8"
88 cms |
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Stock: 16163
A fine and large 19th century Carrara marble chimneypiece with a serpentine shelf, which is supported by generous acanthus corbels over panelled, canted jambs. These frame the panelled frieze, which is mounted with a central keystone, over a gently curved opening.
English, mid-19th century.
From a fine house in York, England.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
82 1⁄8"
208.5 cms |
52 1⁄8"
132.3 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
| Internal |
4 5⁄8"
11.7 cms |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
|
Listed Price: £8,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 15644
A grand and imposing Victorian fireplace in dramatic portoro marble, with rare and beautiful Cornish serpentine columns. The fireplace's inverted breakfront shelf looms over an undershelf studded with crisplycarved Cornish serpentine dentils. Under this, the central keystone, ionic capitals and bases are highlighted in dramatic Belgian black marble. The double full columns stand out in serpentine against the bold gold veining of the portoro. The columns are mounted on generous footblocks and frame the arched opening.
English, c.1860.
Outer jamb to outer jamb measurement: 211cm.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
95 3⁄8"
242.3 cms |
53 11⁄16"
136.3 cms |
18 5⁄8"
47.2 cms |
|
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
37 3⁄16"
94.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £24,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16460
A very fine chimneypiece with a striking simplicity of form, reminiscent of the work of Sir John Soane. Carved from dramatic dove grey Bardiglio Fiorito marble, the wide stepped shelf rests on two monumental jambs, which flank a large opening. One of the most striking chimneypieces we have come across!
Scottish, c.1840.
*One of a pair with stock no. 16461.*
View our collection of: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
84 1⁄4"
214 cms |
52"
132 cms |
13 3⁄8"
34 cms |
| Internal |
45"
114.3 cms |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
|
Listed Price: £12,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16450
A large Rouge Royale marble corbel fireplace with Belgian black detailing, perfect for a Victorian interior.
English, circa 1880.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
68 3⁄8"
173.7 cms |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
11 1⁄8"
28.3 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.6 cms |
38"
96.6 cms |
|
Listed Price: £4,600 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16451
A simple Victorian chimneypiece carved from a red and grey Rouge Royale marble. The plain shelf is flanked with quintessentially Victorian corbels over plain jambs and a plain freize.
English, circa 1890.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
67 1⁄8"
170.5 cms |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
11"
28 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.5 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
|
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Stock: 16161
A simple Victorian fireplace in Carrara marble, being one of a pair with stock no. 16160. An elegant and simple fireplace, perfect for any interior.
English, c.1890.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
60"
152.3 cms |
44 1⁄4"
112.4 cms |
8 1⁄8"
20.7 cms |
| Internal |
30 7⁄8"
78.4 cms |
36 1⁄2"
92.7 cms |
|
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Stock: 13869
A small and elegant French Louis XVI chimneypiece in a softly mottled Carrara marble, with a stop fluted frieze, jambs and acanthus paterae endblocks.
French, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
|
|
|
|
53 1⁄8"
135 cms |
41 1⁄8"
104.5 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
|
38 5⁄8"
98 cms |
32 1⁄4"
82 cms |
|
Listed Price: £5,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16370
A large and grand Victorian arched chimneypiece in white marble with original brass insert. The imposing shelf sits on a stepped undershelf supported by the large arched spandrel jambs, with a beautifully carved bound laurel detail to the opening. This is divided by a very fine foliate keystone. The whole is supported by generous footblocks. The original brass insert is decorated with finely hand chased repoussée work with stylised scrolling foliage, flowers and birds.
English, c.1880.
Please note that the insert is slightly lower than the opening and will need to be raised by the hearth, or the fireplace footblocks can be trimmed.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
91 11⁄16"
233 cms |
52 3⁄16"
132.5 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
| Internal |
43 1⁄8"
109.5 cms |
37 3⁄8"
95 cms |
|
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Stock: 15873
An antique Louis XVI marble fireplace in finely veined seravezza marble. The crisply moulded shelf sits above a panelled frieze, framed by acanthus paterae endblocks over fluted jambs. This encloses the original cast iron insert, with foliate decoration.
French, mid 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
60"
152.5 cms |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
14 13⁄16"
37.5 cms |
| Internal |
43 7⁄8"
111.5 cms |
33 11⁄16"
85.5 cms |
|
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Stock: 15623
A substantial Victorian marble chimneypiece in a dark grey marble with white veins. The wide moulded shelf, over a panelled frieze flanked by generously carved corbels over panelled jambs.
English, c.1860.
Provenance: West Grove, Blackheath.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
77 7⁄8"
197.8 cms |
49 5⁄8"
126 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
38 13⁄16"
98.5 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
|
Listed Price: £9,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 16313
A fine Louis XVI chimneypiece in a very lightly mottled statuary marble, with fine ormolu mounts. The moulded shelf sits above a very fine frieze, mounted with floral and acanthus paterae. The mounts are very much in the manner of Pierre Gouthiere (1732-1813) who was appointed ciseliste, doreur, bronze chaser and gilder by Aux Menus Plaisirs du Roi, Palais de Versailles in France. This is supported by flat, stop fluted jambs with acanthus reed and husk adornment.
French, early 19th century.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
60 5⁄8"
154 cms |
43 13⁄16"
111.2 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
36 11⁄16"
93.2 cms |
|
Marble fireplaces
Our stunning collection of antique marble fireplaces, mantels and chimneypieces features fireplaces made in a variety of different antique marbles, including Sienna marble, Statuary marble, Cippolino marble and Verde Antico marble.
A brief history of marble
Marble has been used in architecture for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures. Its ability to bear immense weight made it ideal for supporting structures and monolithic columns in public, private and religious buildings. Prized for its beauty and resilience, marble has been used in some of the world’s most iconic buildings, including the Parthenon, the Taj Mahal and the Palace of Versailles.
Marble has been popular for its use in sculpture since classical times. In fact, the word ‘marble’ derives from the Ancient Greek mármaron, which means ‘crystalline rock, shining stone’. Light is able to penetrate several millimetres into marble before being scattered out, producing the characteristic ‘glow’ that seems to give life to sculptures.
The introduction of marble fireplaces
Marble fireplaces have been popular for hundreds of years. Marble has been highly prized as a material for fireplaces due to its softness - which makes it easier to carve - its strength, and, perhaps most of all, its elegance and air of luxury.
The oldest piece in our collection of antique marble fireplaces dates back to around 1460. This extremely rare chimneypiece is carved in Pietra d’Istria marble from the Istrian Peninsula near Venice, and is attributed to Giorgio da Sebenico, sculptor of the Duomo San Francesco, Cathedral of Ancona.
A taste for marble fireplaces
Marble fireplaces remained fashionable in Europe throughout the 15th and 16th Centuries and were particularly popular during the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras.
The first half of the Georgian era saw marble fireplaces influenced heavily by the classical temple architecture of the Greeks and Romans. Halfway through the 18th Century, designer and architect Robert Adam revolutionised fireplace design with his neoclassical fireplaces.
Marble fireplaces were much sought-after during the Regency period, particularly those made from Statuary marble. However, the onset of the Napoleonic wars in 1803 made its cost prohibitive to all but the wealthiest, and largely restricted its use to grand public rooms.
From the early to mid Victorian era these fireplaces were typically very ornate, featuring intricate floral designs. Later Victorian fireplaces show a preference for simpler, more geometric designs.
Antique marble fireplaces
Antique marble fireplaces are still very much in demand, and it’s easy to see why. From the simplest to the most sumptuously extravagant, a marble fireplace can be tastefully integrated into either a traditional or modern room to make a beautiful and striking focal point.
Our collection of antique marble fireplaces is one of the most comprehensive in the world. A display spanning such a breadth of styles, periods and materials is unlikely to be found elsewhere.