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: 13617
A Belgian Regency style white statuary marble antique chimneypiece the fluted frieze, beneath a simple moulded shelf, is centred by a panelled plaque decorated with laurel sprays and flanked by square floral endblocks above stop fluted panelled jambs with delicate tumbling bellflower motifs above plain moulded foot blocks.
Belgian, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
69 11⁄16"
177 cms |
50 3⁄8"
128 cms |
13 13⁄16"
35 cms |
| Internal |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 11859
A 19th century Verdi Tinos antique marble chimneypiece mantel with Rouge Griotte detail & Kilkenny Black marble columns. The panelled frieze is centred by a floral paterae echoed on the end blocks and supported by a pair of substantial full round columns topped by Corinthian capitals.
English circa 1880.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
65 7⁄8"
167.5 cms |
51"
129.5 cms |
13"
33 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
40 5⁄8"
103 cms |
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Stock: 14413
A large Louis XV antique mantel in Breched'Allepe marble, the serpentine shelf over scrolled floral central cartouche, supported on panelled jambs.
French circa 1850.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
previous sno. 6275
|
width |
height |
depth |
| external |
65 1⁄4"
165.8 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
12 1⁄2"
31.8 cms |
| internal |
50 1⁄2"
128.3 cms |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
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Stock: 12147
A Louis XVI chimneypiece in Bardiglio Florito marble, the straight moulded shelf supported on scrolled fluted console jambs with carved Acanthus detail at the top, and smaller scrolls at the base resting on large square footblocks. French, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
59 1⁄8"
150 cms |
38 5⁄8"
98 cms |
16 1⁄8"
41 cms |
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43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
28 11⁄16"
73 cms |
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Stock: 13744
A FINELY CARVED LOUIS XV ROCOCO CHIMNEYPIECE in White Carrara marble. The serpentine shelf over a profusely carved frieze with a large high relief carved central floral Cartouche flanked by further richly scrolled floral tendrils. The scrolled end consoles are surmounted by winged Cherubini, descending to floral bottom scrolls. 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 |
67 1⁄2"
171.5 cms |
43 5⁄8"
110.7 cms |
15 3⁄16"
38.7 cms |
| Internal |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
33 7⁄8"
86 cms |
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Stock: 10880
A very fine elegant and unadorned Regency full round columned fireplace surround in Travertina Magia brown marble. With simple moulded caps on the columns and a plain central tablet on the frieze. Shown together with Register Grate 13648 not included in the price.
English circa 1820.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
|
69 1⁄8"
175.5 cms |
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
14"
35.5 cms |
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39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 9784
A substantial 19th century Bardiglio Dove Grey marble chimneypiece with deeply carved twin corbels supporting the deep shelf above a frieze decorated with a series of roundels echoed on the jambs, the slow arched opening centred by a simple keystone.
English, circa 1870.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74 13⁄16"
190 cms |
48"
122 cms |
13 3⁄8"
34 cms |
| Internal |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
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Stock: 8168
A large and stately Baroque style antique chimneypiece in polished Belgian Blue Fossil Stone. The heavily moulded dentil shelf and corbelled frieze is supported
by a pair of generous fluted corbels above fluted jambs which rest on substantial footblocks. Belgian circa 1870.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
91 11⁄16"
233 cms |
69 11⁄16"
177 cms |
28 1⁄4"
72 cms |
| Internal |
57 1⁄8"
145 cms |
53 1⁄2"
136 cms |
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Stock: 13461
A rare Reformed Gothic Chimneypiece carved in the richly coloured and veined Ashburton Marble mined from the Linhay Quarry in Devon, England close to the ancient Stannary Town of Ashburton.
The chimneypiece is surmounted by a large stepped, corbelled shelf centred by a demi lune podium undercarved with Gothic detail. The formal stylised stiff foliage climbing the sturdy chamfered jambs, echoed around the arched opening and on the undercarving of the shelf, blossoms at the top under each shaped shelf into a more natutralistic Gothic display.
English, circa 1880.
Notes: In 1852 The Western Times, a Devon newspaper, 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. The Linhay Quarry was still being mined into the late 20th century.
King Edward I's Stannary Charter of 1305 had established Tavistock, Ashburton and Chagford as Devon's Stannary Towns, they were where locally mined refined tin was assessed, coined, and sold.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
64 5⁄8"
164 cms |
58 11⁄16"
149 cms |
16 1⁄2"
42 cms |
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36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
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Stock: 13572
'PLUM PUDDING'.
A rare Irish Gothic Revival Fossil chimneypiece of the Regency Period carved in reddish brown Armagh Marble. The deeply moulded shelf of this imposing chimneypiece has projecting podiums at either end above a frieze embellished with a series of carved diamond lozenges. The shelf is supported by a pair of hexagonal free standing fluted columns in front of wide sturdy jambs and all are resting on dual five sided footblocks.
Irish, circa 1820
Notes: Sir Charles Coote, of the Royal Dublin Society, wrote in his 'Statistical
Survey of the County of Armagh' published in 1804 "...as we approach the city of Armagh the soil, though still limestone, yet changes to a purple hue and now approaches a species of marble - fossils appear of a beautiful and excellent quality, the prevailing hue is a reddish brown which mineralogists call 'Plum Pudding'. Many of the chimneypieces in Armagh and for several miles around were made of this native marble". The designer of this chimneypiece seems to have taken inspiration from ancient Greek architecture and in stripping out all ornamentation pre-empted the Art Deco movement by more than 100 years.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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shelf width |
height |
depth |
|
77 3⁄16"
196 cms |
59 11⁄16"
151.7 cms |
19 1⁄4"
49 cms |
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44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
44 7⁄8"
114 cms |
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Stock: 8210
A large Bolection antique mantle in green Verde Antico marble. English, circa 1880.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| external |
60"
152.4 cms |
49"
124.5 cms |
4 13⁄16"
12.1 cms |
| internal |
46"
116.8 cms |
40 11⁄16"
103.5 cms |
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Stock: 13548
A simple Regency fireplace surround in Grey Bardiglio marble with a cushion moulded central plaque on the frieze echoed on the endblocks supported on full round tapering Tuscan columns.
English, circa 1820.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 1⁄8"
183.1 cms |
53 13⁄16"
136.7 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 7⁄8"
114 cms |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
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Stock: 7519
A French Louis XVI antique mantel in carved Carrara marble decorated on the frieze with laurel wreath and olive branches ( victory & peace) and floral paterae endblocks. French, circa 1840.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| external |
57 1⁄2"
146 cms |
42 13⁄16"
108.6 cms |
16"
40.6 cms |
| internal |
46 1⁄2"
118.1 cms |
33 1⁄2"
85.1 cms |
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Stock: 13132
A petit and charming Louis XIV Baroque style antique fireplace surround carved in Sarrancolin marble with a deep shelf above carved spandrels, a gentle slow arch and moulded bolection jambs.
French,19th Century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
53 1⁄8"
135 cms |
42 11⁄16"
108.5 cms |
14 5⁄8"
37 cms |
| Internal |
37 3⁄8"
95 cms |
34 1⁄8"
86.5 cms |
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Stock: 13657
A stylish low and wide Onyx 1930's Art Deco fireplace surround with Belgian black marble detailing and wide rounded fluted corners.
English circa 1930.
Link to: Antique Arts and Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau mantels and Art Deco fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 3⁄16"
183.5 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
8 11⁄16"
22 cms |
| Internal |
22 3⁄16"
56.5 cms |
25 3⁄8"
64.5 cms |
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Stock: 6567
A large and impressive white statuary marble Victorian Chimneypiece, with substantial highly carved corbels supporting the deep shelf, carved with acanthus foliage, the frieze formed of flanking panels carved with serpentine patterns flanking the central shield motif.
English, circa 1860.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
81 1⁄8"
206 cms |
52 3⁄8"
133 cms |
13 13⁄16"
35 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
38 5⁄8"
98 cms |
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Stock: 12955
A pretty and delicate Louis XVI grey veined marble and gilt ormolu decorated fireplace, in the French Regency manner with a charming central plaque depicting large fruited swags, flanked by a beaded ormolu panel frieze and gilt endblock paterae. The jambs are stop fluted, with further light ormolu adornment and an unusual ormolu cuff to the footblock. 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 3⁄16"
145.2 cms |
42 1⁄4"
107.5 cms |
15 3⁄8"
39 cms |
| Internal |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
32 11⁄16"
83 cms |
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Stock: 13978
A decoratively veined and carved Arabascato marble chimneypiece in the Louis XVI manner. The volute frieze centred by a tablet delicately carved with a floral festoon and ribbons, the stop fluted & acanthus wrapped endblocks above tapering 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 |
66 1⁄8"
168 cms |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
18 7⁄8"
48 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
35"
89 cms |
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Stock: 12041
A small and delicate Regency fireplace, carved in white Statuary marble, with a central foliate plaque on a panelled frieze and floral paterae on the endblocks, the jambs with descending ribboned bellflowers.
English, circa 1830.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| External |
50 13⁄16"
129 cms |
45 11⁄16"
116 cms |
7 1⁄8"
18 cms |
| Internal |
32 1⁄2"
82.5 cms |
37 3⁄16"
94.5 cms |
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Stock: 9318
A most striking and impressively tall Flemish, High Renaissance style chimneypiece in Polished Black Fossil and Red Griotte marble. The gadrooned carved shelf and low relief frieze decorated with alternating Griotte lozenges set within carved panels is supported on large carved projecting brackets above handsome tall Griotte columns, topped with Corinthian capitals, descending to high shaped socles.
Flemish 19th century.
SCALE :Tall, wide and grand.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
78 7⁄8"
200.5 cms |
78"
198 cms |
19 11⁄16"
50 cms |
| Internal w/out insert |
46 1⁄2"
118 cms |
59 1⁄4"
150.5 cms |
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Stock: 13464
A large, elegant and finely carved Louis XVI style fireplace surround in lightly veined Carrara marble, the panelled frieze and endblocks centred by delightful, delicately carved urns, fruit and trailing flora, the stop fluted jambs with delicate floral detail. French late19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 13⁄16"
157 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
12 1⁄2"
31.8 cms |
| Internal |
44 5⁄8"
113.2 cms |
34 5⁄8"
88 cms |
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Stock: 12506
A finely carved white Louis XVI style Statuary marble fireplace in the French manner, with an abundantly carved guilloche patterned frieze of floral rosettes. The endblocks embellished with large paterae in high relief over substantial stop fluted jambs draped with thick swags of laurel leaves & berries. Shown with insert 13104, sold separately.
French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 11⁄16"
167 cms |
44 1⁄4"
112.5 cms |
10"
25.5 cms |
| Internal |
49"
124.5 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
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Stock: 13397
A small 19th century Carrara Marble Chimneypiece Mantel in the Italian Renaissance Manner richly carved in high relief, together with it’s original cast iron insert.The frieze, centred by a merman and mermaid flanking an elaborate strapwork cartouche, depicts a pair of birds set amongst scrolling fruits and flowers symbolising Peace and Abundance. The endblocks with tall garlanded cartouche above extraordinary tripedalism satyr grotesques holding beaded garlands in their mouths perched on elaborately carved and fluted jambs, and with an enriched linked acanthus border around the opening.
Italian, late 19th century.
Shown with a pair of Satyr Andirons SNo 7645 not included in the price.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
63 3⁄16"
160.5 cms |
42 7⁄8"
109 cms |
18 1⁄8"
46 cms |
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44 7⁄8"
114 cms |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
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Stock: 13188
An interesting statuary marble fireplace in the English Greek Revival manner, the stepped frieze with a central tablet with typical Classical Greek entwined Honeysuckle carving the subtly tapering paneled jambs above substantial footblocks.
Early 19th century, Circa1830.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
70 1⁄8"
178 cms |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
11"
28 cms |
| Internal |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 13341
A Louis XVI French white veined statuary marble fireplace, with highly carved roundels set within a beaded frieze, floral endblock paterae and elaborate descending acanthus above entwined stenm edged decoration on the jambs.
French, circa 1780.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
59 13⁄16"
152 cms |
43 1⁄8"
109.5 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
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Stock: 11176
THE CUPID VENDOR:
A substantial caryatid English Regency antique fireplace surround in the Greek Revival manner richly carved in white statuary marble. The wide moulded shelf above the frieze centred by a tablet carved in relief of The Cupid Vendor a possible Pompeian scene of a noblewoman with maidservant consulting an academic or mystic. The frieze is flanked by ribboned and tied flowering cornucopia. The projecting endblocks carved with delicately pierced round floral paterae supported by figures of vestal maiden on the jambs. Each of the standing figures is classically attired bearing incense burners and are raised on triple block footblocks. English circa 1805.
Notes: In the manner of Sir Richard Westmacott Jr, Sculptor, Royal Academy (1775 – 1856) and very similar to the chimneypiece in The Dining Room at 18, later 19 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, London W1- image below. This great house was designed and built around 1728 by Edward Shepherd, the proprietor of Shepherds Market off Curzon Street also in Mayfair and was sold in 1730 to the 7th Earl of Thanet. The 8th Earl employed Robert Adam in 1765 to renovate the Georgian interior and further renovation in the Adam Revival manner was carried out in 1880 by Frederick Arthur of Motcomb Street, Belgravia.
The house was demolished in 1933 & the last owner Lady Beecham, wife of Sir Thomas Beecham the conductor, removed the Chimneypieces to Clopton House in Warwickshire.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
78 7⁄8"
200.5 cms |
51 3⁄8"
130.5 cms |
14"
35.5 cms |
| Internal |
48"
122 cms |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
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Stock: 13413
A Louis XVI French antique chimneypiece mantel in boldly veined white statuary marble. The shelf over a stem edged entwined panel on the frieze and, square floral paterae endblocks over canted scrolled jambs. Similar to SNo 14406. French 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 3⁄16"
38.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
33 1⁄2"
85 cms |
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Stock: 13256
A very large and graceful fireplace, carved in white Bianco Pi marble, with panelled jambs and frieze, topped with huge scrolled acanthus corbels supporting the substantial shelf. Known London Provenance.
English late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
78"
198 cms |
49 3⁄16"
125 cms |
14 13⁄16"
37.5 cms |
| Internal |
39 3⁄8"
100 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 11963
A large and richly carved French Louis XV cheminee. In profusely figured Breche Violette marble the substantial serpentine shelf is supported on the panelled frieze centred with a high relief carved floral shell cartouche, supported on panelled jambs. French, early 19th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 13⁄16"
185 cms |
47 3⁄8"
120.5 cms |
17 7⁄8"
45.5 cms |
| Internal |
53 7⁄8"
137 cms |
38"
96.5 cms |
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Stock: 13412
A large Portoro marble Louis XVI style chimneypiece with a central floral cartouche, beading around the frieze and endblock paterae. The shelf is highly, though delicately veined, with orange and gold, yellow and brown veining.
French, 1860s.
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 French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
62"
157.5 cms |
42 11⁄16"
108.5 cms |
15 3⁄8"
39 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄8"
112 cms |
31 7⁄8"
81 cms |
|
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Stock: 9902
A tall and impressive Italian Palazzo chimneypiece in the Renaissance manner richly carved in high relief statuary marble. The frieze of this grand fireplace mantel centred with a cameo nobleman's profile flanked by griffins and scrolling foliate decoration, the jambs with panels of urns, fruit & vines and carved capitals.
Italian, 19th century.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
91 1⁄8"
231.4 cms |
72 3⁄16"
183.5 cms |
17 1⁄2"
44.4 cms |
| Internal |
65 11⁄16"
167 cms |
54"
137.2 cms |
|
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Stock: 10667
A grand and imposing 19th century marble antique chimneypiece mantel in the Palladian manner. The substantial white statuary marble shelf over a barrel frieze in Verde Tinos marble inlaid with a Statuary and Sienna marble guilloche pattern centred and flanked by three high relief carved Siena marble Roman lion masks supported on massive " C " scrolled brackets above strapwork decoration on the jambs. Italian, late 19th century.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
85 13⁄16"
218 cms |
60 3⁄16"
153 cms |
15"
38.1 cms |
| Internal |
53 1⁄8"
135 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
|
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Stock: 11565
An exceptional and rare period Louis XV Rococo chimneypiece mantel in Fior di Pesco Apuano marble. The serpentine shelf and frieze is centred by a richly carved clam shell and foliate cartouche, flanked by deeply moulded panels, c-scrolls and generously carved shield ends supported on stop fluted scrolling console jambs, enriched with fish scales and clam shell detail. French, 18th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
|
width |
height |
depth |
| External |
75 3⁄16"
191 cms |
48 5⁄8"
123.5 cms |
20 7⁄8"
53 cms |
| Internal |
50 13⁄16"
129 cms |
38 5⁄8"
98 cms |
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Sold
Stock: 13403
A strong and sturdy large Belgian Black Marble antique chimneypiece in the manner of Louis XVI, the panelled frieze centred with a diamond lozenge, the endblocks with framed bosses above large acanthus decorated jambs supported on sympathetically large lion paw feet and moulded footblocks.
French 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
54"
137.2 cms |
39"
99 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
38 13⁄16"
98.5 cms |
29 1⁄8"
74 cms |
|
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Stock: 9032
A boldly featured French Baroque antique chimneypiece in white, blue and purple veined Pavonazza marble. The angled scrolled jambs support a multi- moulded shelf over a panelled frieze centred by a large central scrolled cartouche in the manner of a heraldic Italian 'stemma nobiliare'. French, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 1⁄8"
173 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
18 11⁄16"
47.5 cms |
| Internal |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
31 1⁄4"
79.5 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.