Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with bead and fillet edging; two-handled vase with flowers issuing from it, a triple plume of ostrich feathers above, and in the bottom right corner the inscribed inscription, 'CofA' [Charteris of Amisfield]; arched rectangular border with fillet edging; central rose at top of arch with other flowers to each side; successive bunches of pears, grapes and apples descending down each side; inscription (Haec tabula domus instauratae focum ornat) in relief in two rows along the bottom, with circular badges of the National Heritage Memorial Fund to left, and National Trust to right; on top, rope knotted in two loops, each containing half of the date in relief, with descending leaves and flowers on each side.

Notes: This fireback was cast for Martin, Lord Charteris of Amisfield (1913-99), Trustee of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, from a pattern he designed and made, to commemorate the completion of restoration work to Canons Ashby.

Inscription: 1984 / CofA / HAEC TABULA DOMUS IN- / STAURATAE FOCUM ORNAT [this plate adorns the hearth of a restored house]

Description: Ogee-arched rectangular shaped central panel with fillet edging; pictorial scene with three figures dressed in clothing of the early 17th century, with wide-brimmed hats, the central figure to the fore and wearing doublet and belt, the two others in coats; across the bottom a trpartite scroll bearing the inscription CHASTLETON on the upper part, and the date MCMXCV and C of A (Charteris of Amisfield) & [illegible] R split between the lower parts, with three tulips beneath; resting on each outer part of the scroll, a barrel with a cat; an ogee-arched rectangular border with fillet edging with floral guilloche decoration and daisy flowers at the top and in the top corners; in the bottom left corner the circular badge of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and in the bottom right corner the circular badge of the National Trust.

Notes: This fireback was cast for Martin, Lord Charteris of Amisfield (1913-99), Trustee of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, from a pattern he designed and made, to commemorate the 390th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot; cast with figures associated with Robert Catesby, owner of a previous house on the site and one of the chief conspirators, and the cats belonging to the then owner, Mrs Barbara Clutton-Brock.

Inscription: CHASTLETON / MCMXCV / C of A & [?]R

Description: Arched rectangular shape; astragal and fillet edging (top and sides); central shield with arms of Eton College, surmounted by a small tilting shield of the pre-1603 Royal arms of England (France modern quartering England) aslant beneath a crown; to each side a spray of lilies; below, a scroll bearing the motto - Esto Perpetua; bottom left the date MCMXCII; bottom right, a panel bearing the phrase C of A and [?].

Notes: The motto Esto Perpetua means Let it be perpetual. Fireback designed by and made for Martin, Lord Charteris of Armisfield, who was Provost of Eton College 1978-91. One of a set of two cast for the college.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: ESTO PERPETUA / MCMXCII C of A [Charteris of Armisfield]

Arms: Eton College

Description: Quasi-arched rectangular shape; parallel simulated twisted rope edging enclosing a border of lilies; pictorial representation of the facade and gatehouse towers of Eton College, between which is a clockface below crenellation; above left, two house martins flying; at ground level, ?four people (one of which is said to be Nigel Jaques, one of the masters) all standing on a plinth bearing, in the centre, the date MCMXCV between four small cartouches, of which to the left and nearest the date is a pack of playing cards; others bear the inscriptions, MCM and CofA (Charteris of Armisfield).

Notes: Designed by and made for Martin, Lord Charteris of Armisfield, Provost of Eton (1978-91).

Inscription: MCMXCV