Fireback
1600-1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Firebacks were used at the back of fireplaces, and served both to project the heat of the fire forward into a room and also to protect the stonework or brickwork behind. References to them occur from at least the 15th century in England, but no dated examples are known before the 16th century. This particular fireback is from Liege and dates from 17th century.
The decoration on firebacks was created by pressing one or more pattern-moulds (generally of carved wood) into a bed of sand. After removing the moulds, the liquid iron was then poured into the impression left by the mould and allowed to cool. Very often the decoration of firebacks includes references (either heraldic or simply with initials) to the owner of the house where the fireback was to be used.
The decoration on firebacks was created by pressing one or more pattern-moulds (generally of carved wood) into a bed of sand. After removing the moulds, the liquid iron was then poured into the impression left by the mould and allowed to cool. Very often the decoration of firebacks includes references (either heraldic or simply with initials) to the owner of the house where the fireback was to be used.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast iron |
| Brief description | Fireback, square plaque bearing a crowned lion killing a boar, cast iron, Liege, southern Belgium, 1600-1700 |
| Physical description | Fireback of cast iron, in the form of a square plaque bearing a crowned lion killing a boar; above are two escutcheons, one bearing a merchant's mark, the other a knife and the initials PT (unidentified). |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Two escutcheons, one bearing a merchant's mark (unidentified), the other a knife and the initials PT (unidentified). |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Bequeathed by Lt. Col. G. B. Croft-Lyons FSA |
| Object history | Firebacks were used at the back of fireplaces, and served both to project the heat of the fire forward into a room and also to protect the stonework or brickwork behind. References to them occur from at least the 15th century in England, but no dated examples are known before the 16th century. This particular fireback is from Liege, in southern Belgium and dates from the 17th century. |
| Historical context | The museum is grateful for images and information supplied by the researcher and author, Jeremy Hodgkinson FSA, 30 March 2022 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Firebacks were used at the back of fireplaces, and served both to project the heat of the fire forward into a room and also to protect the stonework or brickwork behind. References to them occur from at least the 15th century in England, but no dated examples are known before the 16th century. This particular fireback is from Liege and dates from 17th century. The decoration on firebacks was created by pressing one or more pattern-moulds (generally of carved wood) into a bed of sand. After removing the moulds, the liquid iron was then poured into the impression left by the mould and allowed to cool. Very often the decoration of firebacks includes references (either heraldic or simply with initials) to the owner of the house where the fireback was to be used. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.576-1926 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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