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: 10915
A rare 18th century Italian Baroque fireplace mantel in finely carved Statuary Marble. The moulded arched shelf forms the upper part of a full width serpentine frieze which is centred by a high prominent shell cartouche, flanked by profusely carved flowers, grape vines and ears of wheat representing summer and autumn. Carved in low relief at each end of the frieze are winged mythical dragons and to the side are vases of flowers beneath which are elaborate angled c-scrolled jambs decorated with masks of grotesques holding ropes of fruits in their mouths and there are trails of tumbling berries and leaves down the sides. Shown together with andirons SNo 12527 not included with the price. Italian mid 18th century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
64 3⁄16"
163 cms |
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
9 13⁄16"
25 cms |
| Internal |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
37 13⁄16"
96 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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Reserved
Stock: 4721
A rare Venetian Renaissance antique fireplace mantel from the fifteenth century. 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, which features near identical images on the portal.
Italian, circa 1460.
Scale : Large.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
78 11⁄16"
200 cms |
74"
188 cms |
34 1⁄4"
87 cms |
| Internal |
68 1⁄4"
173.4 cms |
65 3⁄16"
165.7 cms |
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Stock: 14148
A rather large but low 20th century Travertine Marble Bolection fireplace mantel.
English, circa 1930.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
62"
157.5 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
3 1⁄4"
8.5 cms |
| Internal |
48"
122 cms |
31 1⁄8"
79 cms |
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Listed Price: £3,200 (+VAT where applicable)
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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: 14323
A elegantly simple early William IV Carrara Marble antique Regency fireplace surround with a panelled frieze and stylised shell cartouche on the endblocks. English, early 19th century.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire and George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
76 3⁄8"
194 cms |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
14 1⁄2"
36.8 cms |
| Internal |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Listed Price: £9,000 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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Stock: 14241
A large Louis XVI antique fireplace surround in subtly attractive, mottled coffee coloured, veined marble from a local quarry in Brittany. Provenance: Hotel 'Repaire de Kerroch' in the port of Paimpol, Brittany, France the same as fireplaces SNos 14240 & 14239. French, late 18th early 19th century.
Shown here with andirons SNo 13920 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 |
79 5⁄8"
202.3 cms |
55 1⁄8"
140 cms |
9 3⁄8"
24 cms |
| Internal |
60 3⁄16"
153 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
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Listed Price: £9,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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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: 14240
An elegant & tall Louis XV antique chimneypiece in subtly attractive, mottled coffee coloured, veined marble from a local quarry in Brittany. Provenance: Hotel 'Repaire de Kerroch' in the port of Paimpol, Brittany which has been recently partly converted into apartments, please see last image below. A larger version of fireplace Stock Number 14239, with the same provenance.
French late 18th 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 |
57 1⁄8"
145 cms |
46 1⁄4"
117.5 cms |
10 3⁄8"
26.5 cms |
| Internal |
48"
122 cms |
38 3⁄8"
97.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £7,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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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.
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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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Sold
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 |
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Stock: 14239
An elegant Louis XV antique chimneypiece in subtly attractive, mottled coffee coloured, veined marble from a local quarry in Brittany. Provenance: Hotel 'Repaire de Kerroch' in the port of Paimpol, Brittany which has been recently partly converted into apartments, please see last image below. A smaller version of fireplace Stock No. 14240 with the same provenance. French late 18th 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 |
67"
170.3 cms |
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
11 3⁄16"
28.5 cms |
| Internal |
37 5⁄8"
95.5 cms |
39 3⁄16"
99.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £6,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 14320
An antique white Statuary Marble fireplace surround. The deeply carved central plaque, set beneath the simple moulded shelf on a plain panelled frieze, is decorated with roses, fruit and orange blossom and is flanked by carved end blocks, one depicting Summer and the other Autumn, The panelled jambs richly carved with hanging, ribbon tied clusters of oak and acorns
English, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV, Arts and Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau mantels and Art Deco fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 5⁄8"
156.5 cms |
46 1⁄2"
118 cms |
9 3⁄8"
24 cms |
| Internal |
37 5⁄8"
95.5 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 14260
A small Rococo style Louis XV antique fireplace surround in fine Carrara Marble
with a carved foliate cartouche on the panelled frieze above a shaped opening flanked by panelled & fluted 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 |
52 13⁄16"
134 cms |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
16"
40.6 cms |
| Internal |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
32 5⁄8"
82.7 cms |
|
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Stock: 14307
A smart High Renaissance style polished Belgian Black Marble antique fireplace surround with three foliate carved panels on the frieze flanked by a pair of lozenge endblocks set above tapering free standing fluted columns resting on double footblocks. Flemish 19th century.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63 13⁄16"
162 cms |
59 1⁄8"
150 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
44 7⁄8"
114 cms |
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Stock: 14303
A fine Louis XVI style antique fireplace mantel in rare beautifully gold veined Portoro Marble. The moulded rectangular shelf is set above a simple panelled frieze which is flanked by a pair of square endblocks supported on moulded and fluted corbels above panelled jambs raised on simple footblocks.
French, late 19th century.
Notes: Varieties of Portoro Marble have been found in different parts of the world but the marble used to make this chimneypiece is of the highest quality and could only have come 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 it's quality and the distinctive black and gold veining.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
55 1⁄8"
140 cms |
40"
101.5 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
37 3⁄16"
94.5 cms |
28 11⁄16"
72.8 cms |
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Stock: 10203
A large and fine antique Palladian style chimneypiece in the manner of William Kent (1685-1748). Carved in pure white Statuary Marble and with Breche Violette, endblocks and ingrounds, it has a prominent corniced shelf set over a beautifully scrolled foliate carved frieze, centred by a simple Breche Violette plaque, flanked by foliate endblocks above bold tapering volute jambs, topped by ribbon tied scrolls, resting on plain large footblocks.
English, mid 19th century with later restoration.
Notes: This chimneypiece, made in the 19th Century, bears a striking resemblance to the chimneypiece in the Red Dining Room at Raynham Hall in Norfolk, designed by Inigo Jones in the late 17th Century. The chimneypiece was probably designed by William Kent as the Hall was refashioned by him in 1731 in collaboration with the Master Sculptor & Carver James Richards (1718-1759) who is credited with the carving of the chimneypiece.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
97 1⁄2"
247.7 cms |
73 1⁄8"
185.7 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
| Internal |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
44 11⁄16"
113.5 cms |
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Stock: 6582
A substantial antique Victorian Belgian Black and Red Griotte marble fireplace. The fluted frieze, set below the deeply moulded shelf is centred with two foliate paterae plaques separated by a small raised panel, flanked by simple curved end blocks, supported on round cornered panelled jambs. The fireplace opening is framed by generous deep Red Griotte marble mouldings delicately carved with stylised Acanthus leaf decoration in the Greek manner with small round floral paterae to the top corners, above the large moulded foot blocks.
Belgian late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
69 1⁄4"
176 cms |
51"
129.5 cms |
17 5⁄8"
44.7 cms |
| Internal |
37"
94 cms |
36"
91.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £14,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 14145
A fine and unusually tall Louis XVI style antique fireplace surround carved in high relief, from Carara Marble. The floral guilloche frieze, centred by a foliate cartouche, is flanked by a pair of square floral paterae 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 |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 1⁄4"
181 cms |
49 13⁄16"
126.5 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
| Internal |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 10272
A small and elegant Gothic Revival antique chimneypiece in attractive brown coral fossil marble, with a simple moulded shelf above a slow arched opening and with recessed Gothic panels on the jambs resting on plain footblocks.
English mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 3⁄8"
145.8 cms |
45 1⁄8"
114.5 cms |
7 7⁄8"
20 cms |
| Internal |
36"
91.5 cms |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
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Stock: 14034
A low and wide Louis XVI style antique Statuary Marble chimneypiece mantel. The panelled frieze and end blocks, centred by a plain panelled plaque,set below the moulded shelf, is supported on scrolled and stop fluted console jambs with acanthus detail. The last image shows this antique fireplace in it's original setting together with its original steel and nickel plated brass insert currently under restoration.
French, late 19th century.
The fire grate shown here is not included in the price and was recently sold.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 3⁄8"
166 cms |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
17 11⁄16"
45 cms |
| Internal |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
28"
71 cms |
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Stock: 14163
A large 19th century white Statuary Marble antique fireplace surround in the Jacobean manner with a deep moulded shelf, the frieze embellished with boldly carved strapwork detail echoed on the volute jambs.
English, mid 19th century.
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 3⁄8"
125.5 cms |
13 3⁄16"
33.5 cms |
| Internal |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 14112
A bold and simple antique Victorian fireplace, in finely veined pencil statuary marble. The end blocks are enriched with simple shields, below the plain rectangular shelf. Supported on simple pilaster jambs, over moulded foot blocks.
Scottish, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV, Arts and Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau mantels and Art Deco fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
70 1⁄8"
178 cms |
49"
124.5 cms |
10"
25.3 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
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Stock: 11443
A lightly veined grey marble Louis XVI style pompadour antique fireplace surround. The serpentine panelled frieze, centred by an oval paterae, is flanked by panelled endblocks above angled panelled 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 |
48 13⁄16"
124 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
14 5⁄8"
37 cms |
| Internal |
32 11⁄16"
83 cms |
33 11⁄16"
85.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £2,800 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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Stock: 7265
An elegant Louis XV chimneypiece carved from veined Sarrancolin Marble the panelled frieze with a scrolled central cartouche beneath a serpentine shelf.
French, circa 1710.
The shelf is a later replacement.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 3⁄8"
166 cms |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
13"
33 cms |
| Internal |
44 11⁄16"
113.5 cms |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
|
Listed Price: £8,500 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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Stock: 13992
A Louis XVI style Carrara Marble antique Victorian fireplace surround with a panelled frieze and a pair of substantial corbelled fluted jambs terminating in large scrolls resting on solid foot blocks. French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 1⁄8"
168 cms |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
14 3⁄8"
36.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
30 1⁄8"
76.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £7,800 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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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.
|
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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Sold
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.
|
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: 7340
A very large bolection fireplace surround in pink Scottish granite.
Scottish, circa 1930.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 1⁄2"
174 cms |
58 1⁄4"
148 cms |
6 11⁄16"
17 cms |
| Internal |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
|
Listed Price: £4,600 (+VAT where applicable)
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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.
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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.
|
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: 11618
A Regency, early Victorian Chimneypiece in veined Carrara
marble. The carved Greek Revival acanthus leaf endblocks are separated by the plain panelled frieze over similarly plain panelled jambs. Shown here together with Insert 13706 not included in the price.
English, circa 1830.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72"
183 cms |
47 1⁄2"
120.7 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.5 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £12,000 (+VAT where applicable)
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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.