Georgian Fireplaces - Learning about Antique Fireplaces
by adminGeorgian Fireplaces - Learning about Antique Fireplaces
By Richard Billington
In the Georgian Period fireplaces were often the focal point of the room, partly because they were the main providers of heat during this period, so just as much attention was paid to fireplace design as to furniture and other aspects of interior design. The concept of the fireplace surround was actually invented during the Italian Renaissance-another period during which Classical design elements were particularly popular. The first fireplace surrounds were simply a pair of column-like structures which stood on either side of the hearth, and were linked by a rudimentary mantel. These surrounds gradually became more ornate, and the Georgian fireplaces which evolved two hundred years later owe much to these early Renaissance designs.
As with Renaissance fireplaces, those of the Georgian style are exemplified by the use of columns and column-like structures, clean lines, and a well-proportioned shape. Moulding, fluting, and carving of the columns and the mantel are commonly used to save the designs from plainness. Georgian fireplaces are not only Classical in their architectural structure-decorative elements of the Georgian period are also heavily influenced by Classical design. Georgian fireplaces are adorned with relief-carvings of lion heads, leaves, animals, and mythical creatures such as satyrs.
The grates used in Georgian fireplaces, known as hob-grates, have relatively long legs when compared to those in use today. Regardless of the materials used in making the surround, the grate was almost always made of cast iron, and was often decorated with Classical designs such as leaves or floral motifs. In the late Georgian era, a new style of grate called the register grate grew in popularity. These grates had slightly shorter legs, and less of the “pot-bellied” look that earlier designs had. The register grate, developed by American inventor Count Benjamin Rumford, is still used in fireplace manufacturing today. Also in the late Georgian period, fireplace design became less Classical in influence-rather than using Classical and mythological motifs, fireplace decoration began to employ more pastoral scenes and elements. This occurred as a part of the changes brought about during the Regency era-during these years softer and more intimate styles of interior decoration became more popular. Design elements that were closer to home appeared, partially replacing those which had come from distant lands and by-gone eras.
Whether you prefer an ornately decorated fireplace or one which is simple in design, you ll find that a stylish Georgian fireplace is a wonderful way of tying together the different decorative elements of a room-the right fireplace can enhance the mood and feel of the whole house.
Geoff Westland is the owner of Westland London, a UK based company specialising in Georgian Fireplaces. Westland London offer a wide range of antiques from various periods of history.
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