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: 15645
A magnificent Louis XIV chimneypiece in dramatically veined portoro marble. The serpentine shelf rests above the undulating frieze, which is centred by a rococo shell motif. The panelled endblocks frame the frieze and are supported by panelled jambs adorned by sinuous foliate carving.
French, early 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 1⁄8"
145 cms |
40 11⁄16"
103.5 cms |
13 3⁄16"
33.5 cms |
| Internal |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
33 1⁄8"
84 cms |
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Stock: 15624
A very fine Victorian arched fireplace, carved from a delicately veined carrara marble. The moulded shelf rests above two magnificent capitals, finely carved with lily of the valley, ferns and roses, each capital subtly different. These frame the panelled arched frieze, decorated with a foliate moulding which is echoed on the panelled jambs.
English, c.1860.
View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
|
Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
78 1⁄8"
198.4 cms |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
13 13⁄16"
35 cms |
| Internal |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
38 3⁄8"
97.5 cms |
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Stock: 15470
An antique Louis XV chimneypiece carved from beautifully veined Pavonazzo marble. The curved moulded shelf rest above a panelled serpentine frieze, which is flanked by scrolling endblocks and panelled console jambs.
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 |
56 11⁄16"
144 cms |
51 3⁄16"
130 cms |
11 13⁄16"
30 cms |
| Internal |
39"
99 cms |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
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Stock: 15615
A fine George III chimneypiece in Statuary and Siena marble. The inverted breakfront shelf sits above a boldly carved egg and dart undershelf, resting over the faux fluted frieze inlaid with fine Siena Marble and studded with two oval paterae.
The central rectangular tablet depicts three putti, one possibly Cupid as he holds a bow, the others grapple with a quiver of arrows. This scene is situated within ribbon tied drapery. The endblocks are also carved with putti, one holding a set of cymbal like instruments aloft and the other holding an unfurling scroll.
Supporting the endblocks are the three-quarter columns also inlaid with Siena marble and topped by elegant composite ionic capitals and resting on socle and block plinth bases.
English, c.1770. With restorations.
View our section showing full range of neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74"
188 cms |
62 5⁄8"
159 cms |
13"
33 cms |
| Internal |
46 7⁄8"
119 cms |
39"
99 cms |
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Stock: 15324
A simple and elegant bolection fireplace carved from a dove grey limestone. The polished and undulating surface reveals the subtle veining and mottling, which would be just as well suited to a contemporary interior as a period one. English, c.1930.
Provenance: Removed from a property on Eaton Square, London.
The Queen Anne style of the late 17th century saw the emergence of the simple bolection fireplace, often situated within a panelled room. It was far more simple in design that what had preceded it, and it was this striking simplicity that secured its enduring popularity.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
61"
155 cms |
47"
119.5 cms |
3"
7.6 cms |
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Stock: 15465
An elegant Louis XVI style 19th century fireplace, crisply carved from Carrara marble, with a finely carved central foliate paterae flanked by the split panelled frieze. The paterae endblocks are of the same acanthus form, and are supported by flat, stop fluted jambs, which in turn rest on plain footblocks. French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
49 3⁄16"
125 cms |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
32 7⁄8"
83.5 cms |
31 1⁄4"
79.5 cms |
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Stock: 11094
An unusually large Louis XV fireplace surround in Rouge De Rance red and white figured marble. The wide serpentine shelf sits on the shaped frieze which is centred by a shell cartouche, flanked by scrolled endblocks descending on shaped and paneled, angled 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 |
74"
188 cms |
47 13⁄16"
121.5 cms |
10 3⁄16"
26 cms |
| Internal |
59 5⁄8"
151.5 cms |
40 3⁄8"
102.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £7,600 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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Stock: 15438
A late 18th century Statuary and Brocatelle marble chimneypiece, inlaid with a Greek key design on the frieze. The finely carved tablet depicts a goddess, perhaps Persephone, holding a cornucopia brimming with fruit, including a pineapple; something of a luxury in 18th century Britain. Beside her, a putto holds aloft an ear of wheat as he rides a lion pulling the goddess' chariot. In the distance, a small temple sits atop a hill, very much like the temple follies seen in 18th century parkland. Flanking the frieze are two elegantly carved endblocks, depicting a putto holding torches - another symbol of Persephone. These are supported by gently tapered jambs, inlaid with flutes of brocatelle marble and terminating in plain footblocks.
English, Circa 1790 with restorations.
View our section showing full range of neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74 13⁄16"
190 cms |
60 13⁄16"
154.5 cms |
8 7⁄8"
22.5 cms |
| Internal |
48 3⁄8"
123 cms |
47"
119.5 cms |
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Stock: 15442
An elegant Regency white Statuary and Spanish Brocatelle marble fireplace. The wide moulded shelf rests above a plain frieze set with a Brocatelle panel, oval paterae on the endblocks and further panels of Bracatelle are set into the jambs beneath acanthus capitals. The opening too is framed wth Brocatelle marble.
English, circa 1820.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
76 1⁄8"
193.3 cms |
54 3⁄8"
138.1 cms |
8 1⁄4"
21 cms |
| Internal |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
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Stock: 15437
A French Carrara marble Louis XV style Rococo fireplace surround. The serpentine breakfront shelf rests above a fielded freeze centred by a large foliate cartouche echoed on the endblocks which sit above angled, panelled jambs supported on sturdy footblocks.
French, late 19th century.
View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
62 3⁄16"
158 cms |
42 3⁄8"
107.6 cms |
16 1⁄2"
42 cms |
| Internal |
45 1⁄8"
114.5 cms |
35 5⁄8"
90.5 cms |
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Stock: 15441
A Victorian black slate arched fireplace, painted with intertwining Ivy and white Jasmine. The symbolism of flowers was a popular theme in Victorian Britain, with flowers adopted as symbols across the decorative arts. The art of floriography as it was called, was used to convey messages through the language of flowers. Ivy for example, represented eternity, fidelity and friendship. White jasmine, purity and amiability.
Original hand painted decoration.
English, circa 1870.
Insert not included.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 13⁄16"
157 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111.1 cms |
11 13⁄16"
30 cms |
| Internal |
34 1⁄4"
87 cms |
33 11⁄16"
85.5 cms |
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Listed Price: £5,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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Stock: 15440
A Victorian black slate fireplace with corbels beneath a wide shelf. An abundant festoon of painted summer flowers adorns the frieze and more trail down each jamb. As with fireplace SNo 15441 the symbolism of flowers was a popular theme in Victorian Britain, with flowers adopted as symbols across the decorative arts. The art of floriography as it was called, was used to convey messages through the language of flowers.
English, circa 1870.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 7⁄8"
157.3 cms |
44 7⁄8"
114.1 cms |
11"
28 cms |
| Internal |
36 13⁄16"
93.5 cms |
35 5⁄8"
90.5 cms |
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Stock: 15265
A Louis XVI antique chimneypiece in softly veined Arabascato Marble. Charming in its simplicity. The moulded shelf, above a bolection style opening, is supported by angled, panelled jambs resting on sectioned footblocks.
French, early 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
56 11⁄16"
144 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
| Internal |
39 3⁄16"
99.5 cms |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 1⁄4"
155.7 cms |
43 7⁄8"
111.6 cms |
7 13⁄16"
19.7 cms |
| Internal |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
36"
91.5 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 1⁄4"
181 cms |
47 3⁄8"
120.4 cms |
14 5⁄8"
37 cms |
| Internal |
50 13⁄16"
129 cms |
36 7⁄8"
93.8 cms |
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Stock: 15429
A large and imposing Statuary and Connemara marble Neoclassical style chimneypiece made in the Palladian manner. The wide stepped shelf rests above a band of substantial dentil carving, beneath which lies a Connemara marble frieze centred with a large Statuary 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 firebasket SNo 14151 not yet on the web.
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
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
73 1⁄2"
186.6 cms |
58 1⁄4"
148 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
43 1⁄8"
109.5 cms |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63 7⁄8"
162.4 cms |
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
3 1⁄2"
9 cms |
| Internal |
47 3⁄16"
120 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
56 1⁄8"
142.5 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111.1 cms |
9"
22.8 cms |
| Internal |
33 7⁄8"
86.2 cms |
36"
91.5 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
60 3⁄16"
153 cms |
44 1⁄8"
112.1 cms |
9 1⁄8"
23.2 cms |
| Internal |
34 11⁄16"
88.1 cms |
35 11⁄16"
90.8 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 11⁄16"
167 cms |
44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
11 3⁄8"
29 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
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Listed Price: £8,600 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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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
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
98 1⁄2"
250.2 cms |
76"
193 cms |
11 11⁄16"
29.8 cms |
| Internal |
61"
154.9 cms |
50"
127 cms |
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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
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
69 1⁄4"
176 cms |
58 11⁄16"
149 cms |
6"
15.3 cms |
| Internal |
41 1⁄4"
104.8 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
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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.
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width |
height |
depth |
| external |
65 1⁄2"
166.4 cms |
47"
119.4 cms |
13 1⁄2"
34.3 cms |
| internal |
45"
114.3 cms |
37 1⁄2"
95.2 cms |
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Listed Price: £18,500 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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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
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 11⁄16"
182 cms |
56 1⁄2"
143.5 cms |
9 1⁄8"
23 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄8"
112 cms |
42 7⁄8"
109 cms |
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Stock: 10088
A small Regency antique fireplace surround in Statuary and inlaid Spanish Brocatelle marble. The frieze, beneath the moulded shelf, is inset with fluted Brocatelle panels and is centred by a Brocatelle roundel echoed on the end blocks. The plain inlaid fluted jambs are raised on simple foot blocks. Provenance known. English, early 19th century.
Shown here with fire grate SNo 14205 now sold separately.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
53 1⁄2"
136 cms |
45 1⁄2"
115.5 cms |
7 7⁄8"
20 cms |
| Internal |
35 3⁄16"
89.5 cms |
37 1⁄8"
94.3 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65"
165 cms |
45 1⁄2"
115.5 cms |
8 11⁄16"
22.2 cms |
| Internal |
46 1⁄8"
117 cms |
38 3⁄8"
97.5 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63 1⁄2"
161.3 cms |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
43 7⁄8"
111.5 cms |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
52 3⁄16"
132.5 cms |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
8 1⁄2"
21.5 cms |
| Internal |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
35 3⁄8"
90 cms |
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Listed Price: £9,500 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
82 1⁄4"
209 cms |
62 11⁄16"
159.2 cms |
19 13⁄16"
50.2 cms |
| Internal |
53 3⁄16"
135.2 cms |
46 7⁄8"
119.2 cms |
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Stock: 14866
A Louis XV style Belgian Black Marble antique Rococo fireplace surround with a shaped moulded shelf above a panelled frieze centred by a plain roundel flanked by corbelled endblocks above fluted and scrolled angled jambs.
French, late 19th century.
(Shown here with andirons SNo 12469 not included).
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63"
160 cms |
45 1⁄8"
114.5 cms |
14 3⁄8"
36.5 cms |
| Internal |
41 1⁄8"
104.5 cms |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
53 1⁄8"
135 cms |
46 11⁄16"
118.5 cms |
12 5⁄8"
32 cms |
| Internal |
35"
89 cms |
35 5⁄8"
90.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £8,500 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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Stock: 15325
A small, lightly veined, Carrara Marble antique fireplace surround in the Louis XVI manner. The breakfront shelf rests above a panelled frieze flanked by well carved floral paterae on the endblocks. The tapering part fluted jambs are topped by shell and panel detail. French, circa 1870.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
40"
101.7 cms |
43"
109.3 cms |
11"
28 cms |
| Internal |
28 1⁄4"
72 cms |
32"
81.3 cms |
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
75 5⁄8"
192 cms |
46 1⁄2"
118 cms |
14 3⁄16"
36 cms |
| Internal |
40"
101.7 cms |
36"
91.5 cms |
|
Listed Price: £9,500 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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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.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74"
188 cms |
48 1⁄4"
122.8 cms |
14 13⁄16"
37.6 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄16"
102.2 cms |
38 7⁄8"
98.8 cms |
|
Listed Price: £14,000 (+VAT where applicable)
More info?
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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
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
62"
157.5 cms |
51 1⁄8"
129.7 cms |
7 1⁄4"
18.5 cms |
| Internal |
38 1⁄4"
97.3 cms |
38"
96.5 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.