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.

  • Stock: 15419

    An English Regency Welsh heather slate, aubergine hued, almost black bullseye chimneypiece. The moulded shelf rests above a reeded frieze which is centred by a plain rectangluar panel flanked by bullseye endblocks above reeded, panelled jambs supported on sturdy footblocks. English, circa 1830.

    Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 61 14"
    155.7 cms
    43 78"
    111.6 cms
    7 1316"
    19.7 cms
    Internal 37 1316"
    96 cms
    36"
    91.5 cms

    Listed Price: £3,800 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 15178

    An elegant Louis XVI style fireplace surround, finely carved in Arabascato marble. The fluted frieze, beneath the moulded shelf, with a central floral garland panel is flanked by round rosette paterae on the endblocks. The fluted volute jambs topped by tumbling floral festoons and scrolled feet supported on sturdy footblocks. French, mid 19th century.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 71 14"
    181 cms
    47 38"
    120.4 cms
    14 58"
    37 cms
    Internal 50 1316"
    129 cms
    36 78"
    93.8 cms
  • A Neoclassical Statuary marble chimneypiece Reserved

    Stock: 15429

    A large and imposing Statuary and Connemara marble Neoclassical style chimneypiece very much in the Palladian manner of Isaac Ware. The wide stepped shelf rests above a band of substantial dentil carving, beneath which lies a Connemara marble frieze centred with a large statuary marble tablet depicting playful cherubs riding an eagle, the tablet is flanked by bold statuary carvings of mythical dragons. The paterae endblocks sit above plain, tapering Connemara columns on the jambs.
    English, circa 1890.

    Shown here with fire basket SNo 14151 not included.

    The Palladian style was named after the Venetian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) whose work and ideas were based on the symmetry and perspective of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. His work hugely influenced European architecture from the early 17th century to the present day.

    View our section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 73 12"
    186.6 cms
    58 14"
    148 cms
    12"
    30.5 cms
    Internal 43 18"
    109.5 cms
    41 1116"
    106 cms
  • Stock: 15416

    An elegant and large Bolection fire surround in warm, cream coloured Italian Travertine with evidence of sedimentary deposits, the outer moulding sweeping in to a cushioned frame around the wide opening.
    English, or possibly Italian, early 20th century.

    Travertine is a sedimentary form of limestone usually deposited by mineral springs. The Italian quarry of Guidonia Montecello was one of the quarries chosen by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the building of the famous Colonnade of St. Peter's Square in Rome in 1656–1667 and Michelangelo also chose Travertine as the material for the external ribs of the dome of St Peter's Basilica.

    Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels. .

    Width Height Depth
    External 63 78"
    162.4 cms
    42 12"
    108 cms
    3 12"
    9 cms
    Internal 47 316"
    120 cms
    36 316"
    92 cms
  • Stock: 15420

    A small late Regency black slate chimneypiece. The moulded shelf above a reeded frieze centred by a foliate panel flanked by large acanthus corbels on reeded, panelled jambs supported on plain footblocks.
    English, circa 1820.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    External 56 18"
    142.5 cms
    43 1116"
    111.1 cms
    9"
    22.8 cms
    Internal 33 78"
    86.2 cms
    36"
    91.5 cms

    Listed Price: £3,600 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 15421

    A Regency Welsh Heather slate chimneypiece in an aubergine hue. The moulded shelf above a cushioned frieze, centred by a rosette panel, flanked by large acanthus corbels above cushion moulded jambs.
    English, circa 1830.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    External 60 316"
    153 cms
    44 18"
    112.1 cms
    9 18"
    23.2 cms
    Internal 34 1116"
    88.1 cms
    35 1116"
    90.8 cms
  • Stock: 15404

    A traditional Victorian Statuary marble fire surround. The moulded shelf rests above a plain frieze flanked by large corbels, with shell detail skirts, on wide jambs raised on large footblocks. Similar to but smaller than fireplace SNo 15185. English, circa 1860.

    Shown here with firegrate SNo 15243 not included.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    External 65 1116"
    167 cms
    44 12"
    113 cms
    11 38"
    29 cms
    Internal 36 38"
    92.5 cms
    36 316"
    92 cms
  • Stock: 7360

    A large and very finely made replica Chimneypiece in the Italian Neo Classical manner in Statuary Marble inlaid with Cippolino, Portoro, Sienna, Breccia Colorato and Aegean Bordeaux specimen marbles. The egg and dart moulding beneath a breakfront shelf is above a frieze centred by a carved Statuary marble cartouche inlaid with Cippolino marble flanked by oval Portoro marble endblocks.

    Italian late 20th century.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 98 12"
    250.2 cms
    76"
    193 cms
    11 1116"
    29.8 cms
    Internal 61"
    154.9 cms
    50"
    127 cms
  • Stock: 11376

    A fine, late 18th century antique fireplace surround in Statuary marble with Spanish Brocatelle marble fluting and ingrounds. The breakfront shelf rests on a frieze with inlaid Brocatelle marble fluting, which is interspersed by delicately carved rosette paterae. The frieze is flanked by endblocks carved with pillar vases and trailing leaves above tapering fluted jambs raised on stepped footblocks.
    English circa 1780.

    Known provenance.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 69 14"
    176 cms
    58 1116"
    149 cms
    6"
    15.3 cms
    Internal 41 14"
    104.8 cms
    42 18"
    107 cms
  • Stock: 15279

    A very beautiful Louis XVI style Pavonazzo Marble chimneypiece. The finely carved frieze, of interlocking floral roundels beneath the moulded stepped shelf, is flanked by floral endblocks above panelled volute jambs. Each jamb is topped with tumbling carved acanthus leaf detail and rests on sturdy footblocks. French, late 19th century..

    Notes: Pavonazzo Marble is one of the many varieties of white Carrara marble and is valued for its fine black, grey, violet and honey veining. The name derives from the Italian word for peacock (pavone) and it is also referred to as Pavonazzetto. It has been used by the Romans since around 43 BC when quarrying began at Docimium and can be seen in the House of Augustus, as well as in the Temple of Mars and many of the grand Roman villas.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 58 78"
    149.5 cms
    47 18"
    119.7 cms
    13 78"
    35.2 cms
    Internal 40 58"
    103 cms
    36 12"
    92.7 cms
  • Stock: 7871

    An impressive and large Belgian Black Marble.Louis XV Rococo fireplace mantel. The richly carved serpentine frieze is centred by a dramatic, scrolled floral cartouche, flanked by panelled spandrels and generous 'C' scrolled endblocks above scrolled angled, acanthus clad jambs. French, circa 1850

    (photos before restoration and more to follow).

    Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

    width height depth
    external 65 12"
    166.4 cms
    47"
    119.4 cms
    13 12"
    34.3 cms
    internal 45"
    114.3 cms
    37 12"
    95.2 cms

    Listed Price: £18,500 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 14356

    A fine Statuary Marble Victorian chimneypiece with grey/green Verde Antico Marble inlay very much in the George III manner. The wide moulded shelf, with an underlay of dentil detail, rests above an inlaid Greek Key frieze with a central tablet of an urn surmounted by a pair of mythical styled sphinx. The rosette paterae on the end blocks are set above inlaid fluted pilasters fronting the jambs. English, circa 1870.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 71 1116"
    182 cms
    56 12"
    143.5 cms
    9 18"
    23 cms
    Internal 44 18"
    112 cms
    42 78"
    109 cms
  • Stock: 15266

    A delicately veined blue/grey and white Breccia Marble antique chimneypiece in the French Empire style with a slow arched opening and deep side returns. French, circa 1860.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 50 14"
    127.7 cms
    41 14"
    105 cms
    13 58"
    34.5 cms
    Internal 35 316"
    89.5 cms
    33 18"
    84 cms
  • Stock: 14974

    A fine Regency fireplace surround in pure white Statuary Marble. Beautifully elegant in its simplicity. The twin cushioned panelled frieze, beneath the moulded shelf, is centred by a tablet depicting a reclining Venus, holding aloft a rose, beside a basket of flowers with her temple in the distance.The endblocks with large rosette paterae above cushioned panelled jambs.
    English, circa 1810.

    Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 65"
    165 cms
    45 12"
    115.5 cms
    8 1116"
    22.2 cms
    Internal 46 18"
    117 cms
    38 38"
    97.5 cms
  • Stock: 15278

    A very fine Louis XVI antique chimneypiece in a lightly veined, soft grey Bardiglio marble. The stepped shelf, with a bead and reel under band, rests on a beautifully carved foliate frieze of scrolling acanthus leaves framing a small floral cartouche above a band of bound rod moulding. Flanking the frieze are large square floral paterae supported on bold, stopped fluted volute jambs. French, mid 19th century.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 63 12"
    161.3 cms
    47 58"
    121 cms
    15"
    38 cms
    Internal 43 78"
    111.5 cms
    36 58"
    93 cms
  • Stock: 15334

    A small finely carved Statuary Marble Louis XVI antique chimneypiece with a gently curved bow fronted shelf and frieze adorned with applied ormolu ornamentation in the form of laurel wreaths to the frieze, endblocks and the stop fluted jambs. French, early 19th century.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 52 316"
    132.5 cms
    41 78"
    106.5 cms
    8 12"
    21.5 cms
    Internal 40 78"
    104 cms
    35 38"
    90 cms

    Listed Price: £9,500 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 14757

    A large and imposing Louis XVI chimneypiece in Belgian Black Marble together with its original brass insert.The frieze and endblocks are carved in Red Languedoc Marble. The stepped moulded shelf rests above the wide ornately carved frieze centred by a female mask resting on a bed of scrolling leaf and rosette detail. The endblocks bear large and bold garlanded female masks above grand stop fluted console jambs raised on stepped footblocks. French, circa 1810.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 82 14"
    209 cms
    62 1116"
    159.2 cms
    19 1316"
    50.2 cms
    Internal 53 316"
    135.2 cms
    46 78"
    119.2 cms
  • A Louis XVI Buixcarro Crema Marble Fireplace Reserved

    Stock: 10296

    A compact Louis XVI fireplace surround in intricately veined Buixcarro Crema Marble. The panelled frieze, beneath the moulded shelf, is centred with a finely carved tablet of a ribboned, floral garland flanked by square floral paterae on the endblocks both carved in Statuary Marble.
    French 19th century.

    Shown here with andirons 15115 not yet on the web and not included in the price.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 53 18"
    135 cms
    46 1116"
    118.5 cms
    12 58"
    32 cms
    Internal 35"
    89 cms
    35 58"
    90.5 cms
  • Stock: 15223

    A large arched Statuary Marble Victorian fireplace surround of simple design with Sienna Marble inlay. The wide stepped and moulded shelf sits above the arched opening with it's central paneled keystone and carved spandrels flanked by a pair of wide paneled inset jambs.
    English, mid 19th century.

    Shown here with firegrate SNo 15121 not included.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    External 75 58"
    192 cms
    46 12"
    118 cms
    14 316"
    36 cms
    Internal 40"
    101.7 cms
    36"
    91.5 cms

    Listed Price: £9,500 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 14321

    A mid Victorian white Statuary Marble fireplace with boldly carved floral corbels flanking the plain frieze which is centred by a basket of summer flowers. English, circa 1860.

    Shown here with insert Stock No 14341 not included in the price.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    External 74"
    188 cms
    48 14"
    122.8 cms
    14 1316"
    37.6 cms
    Internal 40 316"
    102.2 cms
    38 78"
    98.8 cms

    Listed Price: £14,000 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 15274

    A small 20th century Neoclassical style Statuary Marble chimneypiece in the manner of Adam with a Sienna Marble frieze and ingrounds. The frieze is centred by a Statuary Marble tablet which features a pair of seated cherubs either side of a bust of Homer within a classical landscape. One cherub has a hand on Homers forehead, the other has a hand on an open book and both are holding bones the whole possibly a representation of Learning. The tablet is flanked by a pair of carved ewers on the endblocks set above jambs fronted by elegant Statuary ionic pilasters raised on neat footblocks. Removed from a house in Cornwall. English, mid 20th century.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 62"
    157.5 cms
    51 18"
    129.7 cms
    7 14"
    18.5 cms
    Internal 38 14"
    97.3 cms
    38"
    96.5 cms
  • Stock: 7686

    A delicate Louis XVI style veined Statuary Marble and gilt ormolu antique fireplace mantel. The panelled frieze,with ormolu bell flower swags, is flanked by square ormolu paterae end blocks supported on stop fluted pilaster jambs decorated with ormolu husks.

    French, late 19th century.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 57 12"
    146 cms
    42"
    106.7 cms
    17 316"
    43.8 cms
    Internal 40 1116"
    103.5 cms
    32"
    81.3 cms
  • Stock: 9752

    An elegant, understated and refined English Regency chimneypiece in white Statuary Marble. The moulded shelf supported on finely fluted panelled jambs under triple carved circular rosettes on the endblocks.

    English, circa 1830.

    Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.

    width height depth
    External 73 38"
    186.5 cms
    46 38"
    117.8 cms
    13"
    33 cms
    Internal 49 1316"
    126.5 cms
    39 1316"
    101 cms

    Listed Price: £18,000 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 8153

    A very large Baroque style Victorian bolection chimneypiece in darkly hued Ashburton Marble. The wide simply moulded shelf rests above a deep panelled frieze beneath which is a flat moulded bolection surround centred by a keystone supported on integral footblocks. English, circa 1850.

    Image before restoration.

    Ashburton Marble: In 1852 a Devon newspaper 'The Western Times', reported that some large blocks of marble had been excavated from quarries adjoining the ancient Stannary Town of Ashburton. It was suggested at the time that the marble be used for the making of chimneypieces as the veins and colour were considered very decorative and superior to that found in any other quarry in South Devon.

    Width Height Depth
    External 90 316"
    229 cms
    62 316"
    158 cms
    8 18"
    20.5 cms
    Internal 66 18"
    168 cms
    40 316"
    102 cms
  • Stock: 14950

    An early 20th century Neoclassical style Statuary and Sienna Marble chimneypiece. The Sienna panelled frieze beneath the stepped moulded shelf is centred by a carved Statuary Marble plaque depicting Venus and Cupid. Finely carved floral paterae adorn the endblocks above tapering, panelled Sienna columns on the jambs. English, circa 1930.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 61 14"
    155.7 cms
    51 12"
    130.8 cms
    8 12"
    21.6 cms
    Internal 36 18"
    91.8 cms
    40 316"
    102 cms

    Listed Price: £8,200 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 14207

    An unusually tall and elegant Louis XV style Rococo antique fireplace, including a decorative insert, in richly veined Saint Anne marble. The deeply moulded serpentine shelf is set above the panelled frieze, centred by a carved Rococo clam shell cartouche, flanked by smaller shell endblock over tall angled, scrolled and panelled console jambs.
    French, late 19th century.

    Note. The last two images show the fireplace with the later decorative steel and brass insert on a wooden frame. It is not suitable for use with a real fire.

    View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 61"
    155 cms
    50"
    127 cms
    15 316"
    38.5 cms
    Internal 44 18"
    112 cms
    43 1116"
    111 cms
  • Stock: 7566

    A grand 17th century Italian bolection fireplace, carved from a beautiful Rosso Verona marble. The scrolled bracketed frieze supporting a large moulded shelf over a deeply moulded Bolection on plain footblocks. A near pair available.

    Italian, 17th century bolection surmounted by a later entabluture and shelf.

    Provenance: From an Italian Palazzo.

    Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.

    width height depth
    external 81"
    205.7 cms
    75 1116"
    192.4 cms
    9 14"
    23.5 cms
    internal 56 316"
    142.8 cms
    51 38"
    130.5 cms

    Listed Price: £18,500 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 10819

    A wide moulded Bolection chimneypiece in veined green Tinos Verde Marble the jambs raised on shaped footblocks. English circa 1860.

    Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 63"
    160 cms
    42 78"
    109 cms
    5 18"
    13 cms
    Internal 51 316"
    130 cms
    37"
    94 cms
  • Stock: 15195

    A late 18th century Georgian chimneypiece carved in Statuary Marble with Verde Antico frieze panels and slips to the opening. This chimneypiece was carved by the sculptor Thomas Carter (d.1795) and designed by the architect Charles Cameron, who installed it at 15 Hanover Square, London W1 c.1774 - a property which has subsequently been demolished. It was almost certainly designed for one of the principle rooms in the house. The Statuary Marble chimneypiece is boldly carved, uniting both Neoclassical and Palladian ideals to create an ornate yet elegantly balanced piece. The central tablet is carved in high relief with a depiction of putti representing the Arts, Sciences, Knowledge and Industry. It is centred on the frieze beneath the wide breakfront shelf and is in turn flanked by a pair of large stylised, foliate endblocks which sit above the sweeping console jambs.
    English, circa 1774.

    Provenance: 15 Hanover Square was designed in the 1770s by the architect Charles Cameron for Jervoise Clark (1743-1808) Member of Parliament for Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight. The chimneypiece was installed there in the 1770s. It was taken out when the house was demolished in 1904 and was subsequently promoted by prominent antique dealers of the time among them Mr Pratt, Messrs Keeble, Gill & Reigate & Sir Charles Allom. It was Illustrated in English Chimneypieces by Guy Cadogan Rothery published by John Tiranti in 1927 (please see the scanned image below).

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces .

    Width Height Depth
    86 316"
    219 cms
    63 12"
    161.2 cms
    12"
    30.6 cms
    47 58"
    121 cms
    43 1116"
    111 cms
  • Stock: 15185

    A substantial lightly veined Statuary Marble mid Victorian chimneypiece. The wide moulded shelf above the plain frieze is supported by two large scrolled corbels on wide pilaster jambs.
    English, circa 1850.

    Shown here with register grate SNo 14837 not included.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    68 12"
    174 cms
    47 316"
    120 cms
    12 1316"
    32.5 cms
    38 316"
    97 cms
    38 316"
    97 cms

    Listed Price: £11,000 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 7788

    A Baroque style antique fireplace surround in softly hued variegated Languedoc Marble with round brass side vents. The prominent, slow arched fireplace opening, with raised triangle detail carved on the spandrels, is flanked by recessed jambs supported on curved footblocks.
    French, mid 19th century.

    Shown here with fire basket 14851 not included.

    Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 61 316"
    155.5 cms
    43 78"
    111.5 cms
    14 1316"
    37.5 cms
    Internal 45 14"
    115 cms
    35 1316"
    91 cms

    Listed Price: £5,600 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 15172

    A large and fine early Regency Statuary Marble antique fireplace surround delicately elegant in it's simplicity. The moulded shelf sits above a plain frieze centred by a swag, rosette and ribbon enhanced tablet. The stylised vases with bellflower drapes on the endblocks rest above attached tapering columns on the jambs supported on stepped footblocks. English, circa 1800. .

    Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 63 18"
    160.3 cms
    53 18"
    134.8 cms
    8 12"
    21.5 cms
    Internal 42 38"
    107.6 cms
    42 18"
    107 cms
  • Stock: 15109

    A finely veined Carrara Marble Victorian corbel fireplace surround with large corbels supporting the wide moulded shelf. English, circa 1860.

    Shown here with fire basket SNo 15069 not included.

    Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

    Width Height Depth
    External 71 18"
    180.5 cms
    47 38"
    120.5 cms
    13 18"
    33.2 cms
    Internal 38"
    96.5 cms
    37 1116"
    95.8 cms
  • Stock: 8279

    A strikingly tall, Louis XIV 'Bolection de Versailles' antique cheminee in richly figured Campan Rouge et Vert marble surmounted by moulded shelf beneath which is a deep fluted concave frieze ,with large acanthus decoration at either end, resting on the bold panelled and moulded bolection.
    French, circa 1830.

    Photo before restoration and shown here with andirons 12467 not included.

    Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 61 1116"
    156.8 cms
    59 38"
    151 cms
    12 1316"
    32.4 cms
    Internal 44"
    111.8 cms
    42 12"
    108 cms

    Listed Price: £14,000 (+VAT where applicable)

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  • Stock: 14085

    A small and delightful Louis XVI style antique fire surround crafted in boldly stated Breche Violette Marble together with its original rather fine steel and brass insert framed within a well defined brass overlapping laurel leaf band, the opening edged with a brass tongue and dart border.
    French, late 19th century.

    Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

    width height depth
    external 49 38"
    125.5 cms
    41 78"
    106.5 cms
    14"
    35.5 cms
    internal 36 1316"
    93.5 cms
    35"
    89 cms
290 items

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.