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: 8443
A small and sophisticated antique fireplace mantel in Giallo di Sienna marble
with trefoil cloverleaf central cartouche and quatrefoil endblocks, under an attractively moulded shelf over descending clover leaves on panelled jambs
in the Belle Epoque manner.
French, possibly Italian, late 19th century (photo before restoration).
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| external |
60 3⁄16"
153 cms |
43"
109.2 cms |
8"
20.3 cms |
| internal |
43 1⁄4"
109.9 cms |
35"
88.9 cms |
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Stock: 11718
A Neoclassical style white statuary antique marble chimneypiece with a deeply moulded shelf, the plain frieze centred by a central plaque decorated with a bell flower swag. The fireplace opening is bordered by gold veined black Portoro marble ingrounds with a white bull nose moulding.
English, early 20th century.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 1⁄2"
146 cms |
49"
124.5 cms |
7 1⁄4"
18.5 cms |
| Internal |
36"
91.5 cms |
36"
91.5 cms |
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Stock: 13625
A late Regency antique fireplace carved out of Welsh Heather Blue slate, with bold acanthus scrolled endblocks above panelled reeded jambs. The central tablet on the frieze represents the Prince of Wales Feathers and is his Heraldic Badge, consisting of three ostrich feathers emerging from a coronet above a ribbon bearing the motto " ICH DIEN " which translates as " I SERVE ". As well as being used in royal heraldry, the badge is sometimes used to symbolise Wales and particularly the Welsh Rugby Union.
Welsh circa 1820. Photo before restoration.
Notes: Welsh Heather Blue Slate is mined in The Penrhyn Quarry located in Bethesda, the largest of the Welsh slate Quarries. It is unlike any other slate in the world. In Victorian times it was most commonly used for roofing tiles but has also often frequently featured in designs for prominent London projects as at St Pancras & Kings Cross Stations, Buckingham Palace and at Number 10 Downing Street the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63"
160 cms |
49"
124.5 cms |
8 1⁄2"
21.5 cms |
| Internal |
37 3⁄16"
94.5 cms |
37 5⁄8"
95.5 cms |
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Stock: 13350
A very fine and perfectly proportioned Statuary and Sienna marble chimneypiece in the manner of James Wyatt 1746 - 1813, architect to King George III.
The chimneypiece has a beautifully sculpted, inlaid frieze centred with an exquisitely carved tablet depicting a central classical urn hung with flower-bud festoons and flanked by two classical muses. Almost identical tablets by James Wyatt can be seen on the chimneypieces at Heveningham Hall, Suffolk completed in 1799. The frieze panels, either side of the tablet, are inlaid with richly figured Convent Siena marble and overlaid by finely carved roundels depicting musical instruments and centred with classical vases spilling over with fruits, berries and leaves repeated on the end blocks. The bed moulding beneath the frieze is carved with stylised anthemion motifs on trailing stems.
The frieze is supported by attached Ionic columns of finely figured Sienna marble. The chimneypiece is surmounted by a break fronted shelf, the leading edge carved with a bead and reel decoration beneath which is a layer of dentil moulding inlaid with Sienna marble. (Shown together with Register Grate SNo 12910, Andirons SNo 12867 & a pair of Firetools not included in the price.)
English, circa 1880.
Provenance:
Removed from Crowe Hall, a restored Regency Grade II Listed property, near Bath in Somerset, England. The Hall built around 1780 for a Brigadier Crowe was restored after a serious fire in 1926, requisitioned by the Admiralty during World War II and bought in 1961 by Sir Sydney Barratt (1898-1975), the eminent physicist, inventor, industrialist and art connoisseur.
Sir Sydney had inherited from his father a life long passion for The Arts and by 1961 had amassed a superb Collection of mostly 18th century pieces with which he filled the rooms of The Hall replacing the more flamboyant Victorian fire surround in the entrance hall with this exquisite chimneypiece. Sir Sydney died in 1975 and his son John, also a passionate connoisseur of The Arts, took over the stewardship of the Hall. When he died in 2005 the greater part of The Collection was sold at auction at Christie's.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
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83 1⁄8"
211 cms |
63"
160 cms |
10"
25.5 cms |
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52 3⁄16"
132.5 cms |
48 5⁄8"
123.5 cms |
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Stock: 13743
An elegantly simple antique Regency bullseye fireplace surround in black Kilkenny Fossil Marble. The bold bullseyes set either side of a reeded frieze and above panelled reeded jambs resting on plain footblocks.
Scottish, circa 1820.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68"
172.7 cms |
48 5⁄8"
123.5 cms |
7 1⁄8"
18 cms |
| Internal |
44 7⁄8"
114 cms |
40 5⁄8"
103 cms |
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Stock: 13687
A Louis XVI style antique chimneypiece in boldly veined white statuary marble. The moulded breakfront shelf, set above a panelled frieze centred by a ribboned Laurel wreath held by sprays of trailing Laural leaves, is flanked by square floral paterae end-blocks above scrolled acanthus leaf 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 |
61 3⁄16"
155.5 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄8"
112 cms |
33 11⁄16"
85.5 cms |
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Stock: 13876
A fine French Regence antique fireplace surround carved in high relief in white Statuary Marble. The panelled frieze, centred by a foliate cartouche held by trails of oak leaves and acorns symbolising fruitfulness, is flanked by a pair of square floral paterae on the endblocks set above scrolled, acanthus leaf carved and fluted console jambs. French circa 1860.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
hight |
depth |
| External |
58 1⁄4"
148 cms |
43 7⁄8"
111.5 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
39 13⁄16"
101 cms |
33 1⁄2"
85 cms |
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Stock: 13977
A very fine, rare and striking Louis XVI style exquisitely etched Belgian Black marble antique fireplace decorated with inlaid jewel like terrazzo malachite in the Renaissance manner and with elaborately engraved deep side panels. French 19th Century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61"
155 cms |
42 7⁄8"
109 cms |
15 5⁄8"
39.5 cms |
| Internal |
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
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Stock: 13964
A large Louis XVI green Campan Marble antique chimneypiece, with a bead framed panel on the frieze, ormolu paterae mounted on the endblocks above fluted scrolled jambs set with further ormolu mounts above scrolled feet. French early 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
|
68 11⁄16"
174.5 cms |
45 1⁄2"
115.5 cms |
16 7⁄8"
43 cms |
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42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
32 1⁄8"
81.5 cms |
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Stock: 13976
An antique Belgian Black Marble Louis XVI style arched Chimneypiece.
The Greek key pattern frieze with carved scrolling acanthus leaf ends,is set
below the generously and deeply moulded shelf. The arched opening is
decorated with carved acanthus leaf spandrels and key stone, surrounded
by deep mouldings. The jambs have rounded fluted corners and stop fluted
end blocks, above simple moulded foot blocks.
Belgian, mid 19th Century.
Shown with a large simple cast iron Regency fire grate SNo 13868 to be sold separately.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
|
70 1⁄2"
179 cms |
47 3⁄16"
120 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
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36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
29 7⁄8"
76 cms |
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Stock: 13979
A substantial Regency style white Statuary Marble Chimneypiece. The low, plain frieze and simple panelled end blocks are supported by round cornered, panelled and stop fluted jambs. The fireplace opening is surrounded by generous, deep mouldings delicately carved with stylised acanthus leaf decoration in the Greek manner, above large moulded foot blocks. Shown here with a very attractive 19th century Rococo style brass and cast iron fire basket, Stock No.13781, sold separately.
English mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
|
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82 11⁄16"
210 cms |
52 13⁄16"
134 cms |
15"
38 cms |
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40 11⁄16"
103.3 cms |
38 3⁄8"
97.5 cms |
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Stock: 7722
A small Louis XV Baroque style mantle, carved in Languedoc marble, with a serpentine
shelf & frieze, central shell cartouche and panelled jambs.
French 19th century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 13⁄16"
146.8 cms |
43"
109.2 cms |
10"
25.4 cms |
| Internal |
44 5⁄8"
113.3 cms |
35 1⁄2"
90.2 cms |
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Stock: 13910
An elegant creamy white Victorian Statuary Marble bullseye chimneypiece the moulded frieze flanked by the bullseye endblocks above panelled jambs.
English mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
64"
162.5 cms |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
10"
25.5 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
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Stock: 10058
One of a pair of well proportioned Regency style Statuary Marble chimneypieces the panelled frieze centred by a rosette medallion framed by inlaid Spanish Brocatelle Marble within delicately carved entwined stem edged panels, echoed on the endblocks and the jambs. A pair to 10187. English, mid 19th Century.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68"
172.7 cms |
51 11⁄16"
131.4 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
40"
101.6 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97.1 cms |
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Stock: 14067
An antique Louis XVI style chimneypiece in Crema Valencia marble, with a fluted frieze flanked by square floral end-blocks, over stop 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 |
53"
134.7 cms |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
14"
35.5 cms |
| Internal |
37"
94 cms |
35"
89 cms |
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Stock: 12993
A Bianco Pi antique marble fireplace mantel of considerable size in the Jacobean manner. The frieze, end blocks and jambs carved in traditional Geometric Gothic design the whole supported on plain square footblocks.
English, circa 1870.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 1⁄2"
181.5 cms |
52"
132 cms |
16 1⁄4"
41.5 cms |
| Internal |
46 1⁄8"
117 cms |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
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Stock: 7695
A small Louis XVI antique fireplace surround in Rouge Royale marble.
French,19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
49 1⁄2"
125.7 cms |
42"
106.7 cms |
14"
35.6 cms |
| Internal |
34 13⁄16"
88.3 cms |
34 1⁄4"
87 cms |
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Stock: 13686
A rare and substantial Aesthetic antique chimneypiece on a grand scale exquisitely carved in lightly veined statuary marble. The colonnade frieze enclosing deeply undercut carved floral panels flanked by carved endblocks depicting flying angels carrying children & scatterting flowers above panelled jambs with classical vases of richly carved flowers above smaller panels with geese amongst rushes.
The side returns have three carved panels, small top panels depicting the world of music above the main larger panels of herons wrestling snakes among reeds, above the lower panels carved with shells and stylised porpoises.The fireplace opening is bordered by richly carved classical Greek architrave.
English circa 1870.
Note: Unusually the main elements of this chimneypiece are carved from solid blocks of marble.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
85"
216 cms |
58 3⁄8"
148.3 cms |
19 11⁄16"
50 cms |
| Internal |
50 13⁄16"
129 cms |
41 1⁄4"
104.8 cms |
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Stock: 8458
A small early 20th century English Regency style chimneypiece in Statuary Marble with green Scagliola inlaid flutes on the frieze panels and the tapering jambs, the central panel is decorated with a fanned oval paterae with two smaller floral panels either side flanked by oval paterae endblocks.
English, circa 1930.(photo before restoration).
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire and George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57"
144.7 cms |
42 13⁄16"
108.8 cms |
7 1⁄4"
18.5 cms |
| Internal |
35 7⁄8"
91.2 cms |
36 1⁄2"
92.6 cms |
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Stock: 13931
A Louis XV Rococo style chimneypiece in fine carrara marble with a central shell cartouche, echoed on the endblocks, surrounded by scrolling acanthus foliage on a panelled frieze above a shaped opening and supported by a pair of scrolled fielded 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 |
51 3⁄16"
130 cms |
44 1⁄8"
112 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
34 1⁄4"
87 cms |
34 5⁄8"
88 cms |
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Stock: 8315
A small and unusual antique French Rococo 'Pompadour' fireplace surround in Carrara Marble.
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 |
45 11⁄16"
116 cms |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
14 5⁄8"
37 cms |
| internal |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
36"
91.5 cms |
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Stock: 13488
An elegant but small Victorian bullseye fireplace surround in richly veined Carrara Marble.
English, circa 1840.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
53"
134.5 cms |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
10 3⁄16"
26 cms |
| Internal |
30 7⁄8"
78.5 cms |
37 3⁄8"
95 cms |
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Stock: 7633
An antique fireplace mantel in Rouge Royale Marble in the Louis XVI style with square paterae on the endblocks above consoled and panelled jambs.
French, circa 1870.
Shown here with a pair of andirons SNo 13328 not included.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
49 1⁄4"
125.1 cms |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
13 11⁄16"
34.9 cms |
| Internal |
33"
83.8 cms |
32 3⁄16"
81.9 cms |
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Stock: 7740
"PETIT TRIANON CHEMINEE SALON COMPAGNIE"
A superbly carved Louis XVI antique fireplace in Fleur de Pecher, peach flower, marble with a delicately carved high relief floral centre plaque, high relief carved sunflowers on the frieze and side returns over intricately scrolled corbels with descending bellflowers on the jambs. French, late 18th century.
This antique cheminee is practically identical to that in the Salon Compagnie, Petit Trianon, Palais de Versailles - please view images below.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| external |
72"
182.9 cms |
46 1⁄2"
118.1 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| internal |
51 1⁄2"
130.8 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 14091
An elegant antique French marble fireplace in the Louis XVI manner carved in finely veined Arabascato Marble. The simple curved shelf of this antique chimneypiece, rests above a frieze with a repeating arch design which is flanked by a pair of floral paterae endblocks above angled stop 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 |
61 3⁄8"
156 cms |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
48 13⁄16"
124 cms |
35 3⁄16"
89.5 cms |
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Stock: 8446
A very attractive Louis XV Rococo antique fireplace, beautifully carved in Breche d’ Allepe marble, the serpentine shelf and frieze centred by scrolled shell cartouche panels either side with very pretty scrolled endblocks over panelled, angled jambs.
French, circa 1830.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| external |
63"
160 cms |
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
9 1⁄8"
23 cms |
| internal |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
35"
89 cms |
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Stock: 12097
A carved statuary Louis XV style antique chimneypiece with a stylised shell central cartouche surrounded by foliage. The scrolled shell end blocks are supported on panelled jambs.
French, mid to 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 |
56 1⁄4"
143 cms |
42 11⁄16"
108.5 cms |
13 13⁄16"
35 cms |
| Internal |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
34 1⁄4"
87 cms |
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Stock: 7525
A Louis XV style antique fireplace mantel in soft pink delicately carved Duquesa Rosa marble with a serpentine shelf and frieze centred by a subtle rocaille decoration, flanked by panelled endblocks above rounded jambs with scrolled detail.
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 |
57"
144.8 cms |
43 1⁄4"
109.9 cms |
12 1⁄2"
31.8 cms |
| internal |
46"
116.8 cms |
35"
88.9 cms |
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Stock: 13726
A smart but small Belgian Black and Verde Antico antique marble chimneypiece in the Baroque manner. The verde antico detailed frieze, centred by a lozenge and alternating fluted bossed detail echoed on the endblocks, is set above twin verde antico panelled jambs.
Belgian late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
56 11⁄16"
144 cms |
50 3⁄8"
128 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
| Internal |
34 3⁄8"
87.5 cms |
39 13⁄16"
101 cms |
|
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Stock: 11875
A simple and restrained 19th century white Carrara Marble chimneypiece with corbelled endblocks.
English, circa 1870.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
62 3⁄16"
158 cms |
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
11"
28 cms |
| Internal |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
38 13⁄16"
98.5 cms |
|
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Stock: 11773
An elegant, small Louis XVI faintly veined statuary marble antique chimneypiece with a simple panelled frieze flanked by a pair of floral roundels on the endblocks set above reeded, stop fluted jambs.
French, 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
56 1⁄4"
143 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
|
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Sold
Stock: 11744
A simple antique Victorian fireplace surround in Statuary marble with Brocatelle detail, fluted end blocks and panelled frieze and jambs.
English, circa 1900.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 1⁄2"
174 cms |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
11 7⁄8"
30.2 cms |
| Internal |
37 3⁄8"
95 cms |
37 3⁄8"
95 cms |
|
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Stock: 13578
A stately and very well proportioned Georgian style breakfront chimneypiece in statuary and verde antico marble. The freeze, inlaid with verde antico blind flutes and centred by a finely carved 18th century tablet depicting Mercury and Venus instructing Cupid, is flanked with simple rectangular endblocks typical of the Georgian period. The fluted columns, surmounted by Ionic capitals, are of a very fine quality. The fireplace opening is edged with egg and dart decoration. Irish circa 1850.
Note: The 18th century tablet replaces the original simpler 19th century tablet of a female mask.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
83 1⁄8"
211 cms |
60 3⁄16"
153 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
|
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Sold
Stock: 13866
A French Louis XVI style chimneypiece in boldly veined statuary marble.
The bow fronted fluted frieze is flanked by floral paterae endblocks, supported on moulded scrolled jambs. The original panelled cast iron interior is decorated with floral garlands and bouquets.
French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 3⁄8"
166 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
15 7⁄8"
40.5 cms |
| Internal |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
34 1⁄8"
86.5 cms |
|
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Sold
Stock: 13517
THE DREAM OF JULIET
A rare and impressive Sarrancolin Opera Marble antique chimneypiece in the Baroque manner, the moulded bolection around the opening is centred by a flamboyantly scrolled cartouche flanked by a cushioned panelled frieze. The jambs with elaborately carved scrolled foliate decoration. The marble overmantel with it's high arched pediment holds a large round statuary marble panel depicting a beautiful young woman finely carved in the Renaissance manner and reminiscent of Shakespeare's Juliet and is signed F. Richard at the base.
English possibly French, circa 1900.
Notes: The Sarrancolin marble quarries are near the towns of Sarrancolin, Ilhet and Beyrede-Jumet in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in southwestern France. This chimneypiece has great presence.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
|
width |
height |
depth |
|
80 11⁄16"
205 cms |
88 5⁄8"
225 cms |
19 11⁄16"
50 cms |
|
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
34 5⁄8"
88 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.