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: 14267
A wide French, Louis XV Rococo style antique fireplace mantel in white Carrara Marble with a finely shaped and moulded shelf. The serpentine panelled frieze is centred by a large integral foliate cartouche flanked by acanthus scrolled angled jambs resting on curved footblocks. French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
64 5⁄8"
164 cms |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
| Internal |
47"
119.5 cms |
34 1⁄4"
87 cms |
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Stock: 14652
A small and pleasingly simple Louis XVI fireplace mantel in Arabescato Marble, together with its original cast iron decorative insert. The inset fluted frieze with a pair of stylised rosettes is flanked by angled fluted jambs.
French late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
45 1⁄2"
115.5 cms |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
15 1⁄4"
38.8 cms |
| Internal |
29 1⁄2"
75 cms |
32 7⁄8"
83.5 cms |
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Stock: 14365
A French white Statuary Marble chimneypieces flamboyantly carved in the Baroque style with a shaped and graceful opening and a foliate adorned medallion on the panelled frieze flanked by stylised acanthus endblocks set above angled console jambs. A pair with SNo 14366 not yet on the website.
French late 19th century.
Shown here with a pair of chenet SNo 13840 not included in the price.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74"
188 cms |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
18 7⁄8"
48 cms |
| Internal |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
31 1⁄2"
80 cms |
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Stock: 14251
A rare 19th century Statuary Marble and ormolu chimneypiece in the French Regency style with a large, exquisitely carved 18th century panel after Clodion (1738 – 1814).
The fireplace, originally in the drawing room of Brook House, located at 113 Park Lane in Mayfair London, was made to accommodate the extraordinary18th century panel which was probably acquired during a Grand Tour.
The panel depicts 'Le Triomphe d'Amphitrite' who can be seen in the centre riding a dolphin attended by putti, tritons(mermen) and nereids(mermaids). Finely applied ormolu, set beneath the cornice shelf and on the jambs and sides, frames the panel and there are intricately detailed ormolu rams heads and tumbling festoons adorning each jamb above which are corbels embellished with large ormolu acanthus leaves.
Provenance: Brook House, Park Lane, Mayfair, London. English late 1860s.
Notes on Amphitrite & Poseidon.
Amphitrite was one of the fifty Nereids who were attendants of the sea-god Poseidon. On first seeing Amphitrite Poseidon fell deeply in love and ardently pursued her. When she fled his wooing he sent dolphins after her who finally persuaded her to return to become his bride. The bearded figure on the far right of the panel could well be Poseidon himself.
Notes on Brook House.
Brook House was built in the French style from 1867-1869 by the architect Thomas Henry Wyatt for Sir Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, the 1st Lord Tweedmouth. The interiors were designed by the renowned 19th century decorators Wright & Mansfield who were strongly influenced by French design. Please see photo below of the Brook House Drawing Room which shows the fireplace in situ. The photograph is courtesy of the Country Life Archives and was taken by Charles Latham in 1902 for The King Magazine and later included in 'London Interiors' written by John Cornforth and published by Country Life.
Ernest Cassell, private banker to Edward VII, bought Brook House from Lord Tweedmouth in 1904 and lived there with his granddaughter Edwina Ashley who later became Countess Mountbatten when she married Louis Mountbatten in 1922. Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma was the uncle of the Queen's consort, the Duke of Edinburgh. Their marriage was attended by the then King and Queen and the Prince of Wales and the reception was held in Brook House. The couple later moved into a suite on the third floor. The house was subsequently demolished and redeveloped in the 1930's.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
88 5⁄8"
225 cms |
65 3⁄16"
165.5 cms |
22 3⁄8"
57 cms |
| Internal |
53 1⁄2"
136 cms |
40 5⁄8"
103 cms |
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Stock: 14597
A rather smart, low and wide typically 1930's, Onyx and Portoro Marble Art Deco fireplace surround with the original reeded bronze insert. The curved and fluted Portoro jambs flank Onyx panels either side of the opening above the Onyx hearth.
English circa 1930.
Link to: Antique Arts and Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau mantels and Art Deco fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
73 5⁄8"
187 cms |
33 7⁄8"
86 cms |
7 7⁄8"
20 cms |
| Internal |
38 5⁄8"
98 cms |
31 1⁄2"
80 cms |
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Stock: 14398
A superb, tall and elegant twin columned Gothic Revival antique chimneypiece in finely figured, softly dark grey Saint Anne Marble. This is a wonderful fireplace imposing in its simplicity and one of a kind. The wide moulded shelf rests on twin pairs of attached octagonal columns, each with moulded capitals, supported on sturdy footblocks. The plain frieze is centred by a simple shield above the slow arch of the opening set with quatrefoil carvings on the spandrels.
English, possibly Scottish circa 1860.
Shown here together with firegrate SNo 11882 now sold.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
82 1⁄2"
209.5 cms |
54 5⁄8"
138.6 cms |
15 3⁄16"
38.5 cms |
| Internal |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
39 3⁄16"
99.5 cms |
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Stock: 14568
A richly veined large Belgian Griotte Rouge Marble antique Victorian fireplace, the panelled frieze, centred by a panel of three akroter, is flanked by floral paterae on the endblocks above jambs fronted by tapering panels topped by small akroter with trailing foliate detail above neat footblocks.
Belgian, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 11⁄16"
174.5 cms |
49 3⁄16"
125 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
| Internal |
46 11⁄16"
118.5 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 11061
One of a rare pair of late English Regency antique chimneypieces in the Egyptian Revival manner, in pure white Statuary Marble. The jambs are tapered descending from concave florally decorated capitals.
Circa 1835.
A pair with SNo 11060 awaiting final photos,
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 7⁄8"
170 cms |
48 5⁄8"
123.5 cms |
12 3⁄16"
31 cms |
| Internal |
37"
94 cms |
39 5⁄8"
100.5 cms |
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Stock: 14550
A Victorian chimneypiece in beautifully toned pink and grey variegated Ashburton Marble. The simple wide shelf rests above an oval panelled frieze flanked by small fielded panels on the endblocks supported on sturdy arcaded jambs raised on plain footblocks. English, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 7⁄8"
170 cms |
47"
119.5 cms |
11 13⁄16"
30 cms |
| Internal |
39"
99 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 14555
A Louis XV Rococo style chimneypiece in Carrara marble with a finely shaped shelf and opening, the frieze centred by a shell cartouche flanked by scrolled foliate endblocks set above panelled angled jambs. French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
60 13⁄16"
154.5 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
42 5⁄8"
108.2 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
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Stock: 14397
A fine Edwardian Georgian style Statuary and inlaid Verde Antico marble chimneypiece, with a moulded shelf above inlaid dentil detail, an inlaid fluted frieze with a central tablet of cavorting cherubs flanked by oval panels of hunting cherubs and with finely carved classical maidens on the endblocks set above descending bellflowers, medallions and swags on the jambs.
English, circa 1900.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
82 1⁄2"
209.5 cms |
65 3⁄16"
165.5 cms |
9 1⁄4"
23.5 cms |
| Internal |
50 1⁄8"
127.2 cms |
45 11⁄16"
116 cms |
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Stock: 14438
A Baroque Louis XV antique fireplace mantel in grey and white Arabascato Marble. The shaped moulded shelf above a panelled frieze with a central cartouche set above the serpentine opening flanked by twin panelled jambs. French early 19th century.
Link to: 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 |
41 1⁄8"
104.5 cms |
17 1⁄4"
44 cms |
| Internal |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
34 13⁄16"
88.5 cms |
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Stock: 14624
A simple Derby fossil antique Victorian marble fireplace surround with twin corbels supporting the moulded shelf. This particular marble holds an abundance of fine fossils of great variety there are so many if fact it would be impossible to count them. English, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 3⁄8"
156 cms |
46 1⁄4"
117.5 cms |
8 11⁄16"
22 cms |
| Internal |
36 1⁄8"
91.8 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 14640
A late Victorian fireplace in richly veined and variegated Languedoc Marble with Belgian Black marble detail of a pleasingly simple design with a moulded shelf above a plain frieze flanked by stop fluted jambs.
English, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 3⁄16"
183.5 cms |
50 3⁄16"
127.5 cms |
12 5⁄8"
32 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.5 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 14311
A fine George III white Statuary Marble antique chimneypiece in the manner of Robert Adam. The fluted frieze, centred by a tablet depicting three seated musical maidens, is flanked by further musical maidens on the endblocks which are set above jambs with carved garlanded maidens on podiums and motifs emblematic of Springtime.
English late 18th century.
Shown here with fire basket SNo 13829 not included in the price.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
73 3⁄8"
186.5 cms |
55 5⁄8"
141.3 cms |
7 3⁄8"
18.7 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
42 3⁄8"
107.7 cms |
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Stock: 14491
French Louis XVI white Statuary Marble Fireplace with fine Ormolu detail.The elegantly moulded shelf rests above the ormolu mounted frieze, flanked with gilt paterae and supported by fluted jambs.
French late 19th century.
Shown here with fire grate SNo 14266 not included in the price.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
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57 1⁄8"
145 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
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40 5⁄8"
103 cms |
34 1⁄8"
86.5 cms |
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Stock: 14159
A tall antique Victorian fireplace surround in finely veined English marble the moulded shelf set above a plain frieze, the arched opening with a central keystone is flanked by a pair of inset circular panels framing carved ribbon tied floral wreaths. English, circa 1860.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
76"
193 cms |
56 1⁄4"
143 cms |
12 3⁄16"
31 cms |
| Internal |
36"
91.5 cms |
40 5⁄8"
103 cms |
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Stock: 13929
An antique Victorian fireplace surround in finely veined Carrara Marble the shelf supported on plain jambs surmounted by a pair of plain corbels. Shown with insert SNo 10314 not included in the price. English Circa 1840.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
64 13⁄16"
164.5 cms |
46 1⁄4"
117.5 cms |
9 5⁄8"
24.5 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 14419
A small French antique chimneypiece in the Louis XVI manner finely carved in attractively veined Pavonazza Marble. The breakfront shelf, set above a panelled frieze centred by a tablet with six stylised foliate panels, is flanked by a pair of floral paterae above corbelled, stop fluted jambs resting on neat footblocks. French early 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
49 3⁄16"
125 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
14 5⁄8"
37.2 cms |
| Internal |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
32 1⁄4"
82 cms |
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Stock: 14439
A Louis XVI style antique fireplace surround in finely veined grey Bardiglio marble. The moulded shelf set above a simple panelled frieze flanked by cushioned panels on the enblocks supported by a pair of scrolled acanthus corbelled and panelled jambs terminating with lion paw feet resting on substantial footblocks. French late 19th century.
Shown here with fire grate SNo 14266 not included in the price.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 1⁄4"
145.5 cms |
40 11⁄16"
103.5 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.5 cms |
29 11⁄16"
75.5 cms |
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Stock: 11265
An elegantly simple early Victorian dove grey Italian Bardiglio Marble antique chimneypiece.
English, circa 1840.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
height |
depth |
| External |
72"
183 cms |
45 1⁄4"
115 cms |
11 7⁄8"
30.2 cms |
| Internal |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
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Stock: 14437
A small Louis XV French Rococo style fireplace surround in white veined Carrara Marble with a moulded shaped shelf above a panelled serpentine frieze centred by a stylised foliate cartouche flanked by angled scrolled acanthus embellished jambs above small footblocks.
French late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
46 1⁄8"
117 cms |
40"
101.5 cms |
16 1⁄4"
41.5 cms |
| Internal |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
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Stock: 14406
An antique Louis XVI style carved Carrara Marble chimneypiece mantel with its original decorative cast iron insert. The bead framed panel on the frieze is set with delicately carved entwined stem detail flanked by foliate paterae on the endblocks. The iron insert is embellished with a large urn and elaborate rinceau detail. Similar to SNo 13413. French late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| external |
52 5⁄8"
133.5 cms |
43 1⁄8"
109.5 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
| internal |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
33 13⁄16"
85.8 cms |
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Stock: 14440
A fine French Rococo antique fireplace surround in opulent Arabascato Marble a dramatic Italian marble with distinctive dark grey veins against a predominantly white background. The moulded shelf above a panelled frieze centred by an elaborate scrolled cartouche echoed on the endblocks which are set above angled scrolled jambs.
French, mid 19th century.
Note: Shown together with chenet/fender SNo 13982 not yet on the web and not included in the price.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
52"
132 cms |
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
36"
91.5 cms |
35 3⁄8"
90 cms |
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Stock: 14436
A large and stately Palladian style columned antique fireplace mantel in beautiful finely veined green Campan Marble. The colonnade frieze set with small panels alternating with fluted piers, the jambs fronted by pairs of free standing, tapering columns resting on tall and sturdy panelled footblocks.
Belgian, mid to late 19th century.
Shown here with fire basket SNo 13863 not included in the price.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
67 1⁄8"
170.5 cms |
50"
127 cms |
16 11⁄16"
42.5 cms |
| Internal |
37 3⁄8"
95 cms |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
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Stock: 14345
A pleasingly simple antique Victorian fireplace surround in warm Brocatelle Marble. The panelled frieze set beneath a plain shelf is flanked by a pair of large corbels on the jambs which rest on substantial footblocks. English late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 1⁄4"
168.5 cms |
47"
119.5 cms |
11 3⁄8"
29 cms |
| Internal |
40"
101.5 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 14315
A very large and finely carved Victorian antique marble fireplace surround. The wide moulded shelf rests above a broad arched fireplace opening centred by a foliate keystone and framed by a finely carved laurel and berry torus moulding. The whole is supported on large shaped footblocks.
English, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
92 1⁄8"
234 cms |
49 13⁄16"
126.5 cms |
17 5⁄8"
44.8 cms |
| Internal |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
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Stock: 14391
A Louis XVI Carrara Marble antique chimneypiece with a moulded shelf above an elaborate central cartouche on the panelled frieze. The jambs, with tapering panels beneath foliate capitals, stand on plain footblocks. French, early 19th century.
Shown here with fire grate SNo 14236 not included in the price.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63"
160 cms |
45 1⁄4"
115 cms |
17 1⁄8"
43.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
35 5⁄8"
90.5 cms |
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Stock: 14316
A Louis XV Rococo style antique fireplace surround in very fine Rouge Royal Marble, with a simple moulded shelf above an elaborate central cartouche on the panelled frieze and with angled jambs flanking the serpentine shaped opening.
French, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 1⁄4"
168.5 cms |
47"
119.5 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
| Internal |
40"
101.5 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 9819
A small Louis XVI Carrara Marble antique fireplace surround. The split panelled frieze, centred by a floral roundel, is flanked by a pair of foliate endblocks above angled, rounded stop fluted jambs resting on sturdy footblocks.
French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 1⁄8"
145 cms |
41 1⁄2"
105.5 cms |
15 3⁄8"
39 cms |
| Internal |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
31 1⁄2"
80 cms |
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Stock: 14388
A very fine Portoro Marble antique Victorian arched chimneypiece. The moulded shelf is set above a simple panelled frieze centred by a plain panel above a keystone linking the panelled gently arched surround which rests on wide footblocks.
English, circa 1860.
Notes: Varieties of Portoro Marble have been found in different parts of the world but the marble used to make this chimneypiece is of fine quality and almost certainly came from the quarries on the Island of Palmaria, in the Gulf of La Spezia, Italy. This marble was discovered and first extracted in Roman times and is rightly regarded worldwide as a luxury marble because of the high quality and the distinctive black and gold veining.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
77 5⁄8"
197 cms |
49"
124.5 cms |
10 3⁄16"
26 cms |
| Internal |
37"
94 cms |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
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Stock: 14276
A small Victorian, Gothic Revival antique chimneypiece in colourful Breche du Nord marble with Pavonazza marble panels on the frieze, endblocks and the jambs which have small columns of the same marble set above the panels.
French late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
53 3⁄16"
135.2 cms |
44 5⁄8"
113.2 cms |
14 1⁄4"
36.2 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
35"
89 cms |
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Stock: 14355
A rare, monumental and highly ornate Louis XV style deeply carved Statuary Marble antique fireplace surround in the French Baroque Rococo manner with its original cast iron insert. The upper stop fluted coffered frieze sits above and behind an enormous and most elaborately scrolled central cartouche quite simply the flamboyant focus of the whole chimneypiece. The equally massive angled, scrolled and panelled jambs, beneath the two tiered endblocks, are embellished with large acanthus detail. Quatrefoil panels sit above the panelled side returns. The signature of a J. Molinari, and the name Menton are carved above the quatrefoil on the right return shown in the second to last image below.
French, late 19th century.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
82 1⁄4"
209 cms |
66 7⁄8"
170 cms |
22 13⁄16"
58 cms |
| Internal |
48 13⁄16"
124 cms |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
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Stock: 7909
A Louis XVI chimneypiece in Statuary marble with well defined acanthus leaf carved and scrolled jambs, end paterae and central cartouche,the breakfront shelf over carved pearl decoration on the frieze and jambs. Image before restoration.
French circa 1860.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
56 1⁄2"
143.5 cms |
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
15"
38.1 cms |
| Internal |
39 1⁄2"
100.3 cms |
32 13⁄16"
83.2 cms |
|
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Stock: 14248
A grand richly coloured and carved Rosso Levanto marble antique chimneypiece in the Baroque style., with a central scrolled cartouche on the panelled frieze, beneath a generous breakfront serpentine shaped shelf, with a pair of massive c-scrolled angled jambs flanking the graceful slow arched opening. Shown with fire grate SNo 14374. French mid 19th century.
Notes: Richly coloured and veined Rosso Levanto Marble is quarried throughout southern Europe and is often used for interior walls, floors, mosaics, fountains and fireplaces.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
70 7⁄8"
180 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
17 7⁄8"
45.5 cms |
| Internal |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
32 11⁄16"
83 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.