Firebacks

Description: Quasi-arched rectangular shape upon a moulded plinth; on a background comprising foliate swirls, a central shield, helm, coronet and elaborate mantling, with a crest of a forward facing centaur armed with a drawn bow pointed to the sinister side, and behind which are six pennons, three each side display in a v-shape; to the left, a triumph comprising a drum, draped flag on pole, concealing an arquebus, halberd and breastplate, and a broad-brimmed hat with feather; to the right, a triumph comprising a drum, a breast plate and tassets, a powder horn, and partially concealed arquebus, sword and spear, and a broad-brimmed hat with feather; at the base, a horizontal fillet with scrolled ends and squatting 'rodents'.

Notes: An uncharacteristic fireback designed and cast for the family of Joan Huydecoper (1625-1704). A variant without the base plinth and 'rodents' is in the collection of Museum Rotterdam (inv. 15224).

Inscription: ANNO 1647

Arms: Joan Huydecoper

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with overlapping leaf bud edging; prancing equestrian figure of a man in late-seventeenth century dress, with a plumed tricorn hat, his head turned to his left, his left hand holding the reins and his right hand pointing a baton beside the horse's head; quasi-arched rectangular border with overlapping leaf bud edging enclosing martial emblems (cannon, helmets etc.) to left and right, and surmounted by two reclining female figures, that to the left blowing a hunting horn, and that to the right supporting a cornucopia; between them, a sun in splendour, above which is a royal crown; at the bottom corrosion through use and damage has rendered the decoration indistinct.

Notes: The sun in splendour suggests that the figure is that of Louis XIV, of France, but the 'Dutch' style makes this less likely; an alternative identification might be Crown Prince Frederick (later King Frederick IV) of Denmark, of whom other fireback representations exist in a similar pose and with similar martial accoutriments.

Description: Arched rectangular shape; plain edge with 49 large beads parallel with top and sides; upper centre, date in bold Arabic numerals; below date, raised rectangular panel with chamfered sides and corners and fillet edging, and a symmetrical sunburst and rainbow design in low relief.

Notes: Modern, quasi-Art Deco design

Inscription: 1995

Description: Arched rectangular shape; gadrooned edging (top and sides); initials, in separate stamps, at top of arch; date in separate stamps, split by central spindle, below; two different spindles used as stamps, one centrally between splitting initial stamps, the other repeated twice on each side, slightly lower; above each spindle a fleur-de-lys stamp.

Notes: It is possible that the initials were intended to be 'BW' but that it was forgotten that they needed to be reversed when impressed into the mould. The same base board has been used for other firebacks dating from 1622 and 1632, and the central spindle can be be seen on another fireback of 1644. Purchased by J. H. Every at Bigges Farm, Cuckfield, Sussex, in 1918.

Inscription: W B / 16 44

Description: Rectangular; astragal edging; simple diamond pattern covering whole plate, formed from evenly-spaced diagonal lines.

Description: Rectangular; ovolo-moulded, gadrooned edging (top and sides); a vertical spindle or chair leg surmounted by a fleur-de-lys arranged three times; the date split by the middle fleur-de-lys.

Notes: The fleur-de-lys is separately stamped from the spindle, and the same spindle is seen on another fireback of the same date.

Inscription: 1641

Description: Ionic columns supporting a semi-circular arch, in the centre of which the bust of a man has a floral swag beneath; below is a quasi-arched rectangle of beads within which is the figure of Hercules, wielding a club, slaying the Nemean Lion; beneath are floral scrolls; on top of the main arch two kneeling putti hold a wreath over the bust.

Notes: Not the standard 'Dutch' type, which may indicate a different origin. Copies of this fireback were advertised in Burton Weir's (Rotherham) catalogue in the early-20th century.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Description: Rectangular with canted top corners; ovolo-moulded edging (except base); top centre, cherub face and wings; below, date separated by initials in triad on either side of which a stag statant on a chapeau.

Notes: The cherub is similar, but not identical to those on a fireback, of 1713, from Ashburnham, and the layout and edging are also similar.

Inscription: 17 ICI [triad] 30

Description: Pentagonal; convex, twisted cloth edging with inner fillet; Tudor royal shield, garter, crown and supporters (crowned lion and dragon); initials split by crown; date split by garter buckle.

Notes: Royal arms of Queen Elizabeth I; uncommon edging.

Inscription: E R / HONY SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE / 1585

Arms: Tudor royal (Elizabeth I)

Description: Arched rectangular shape; rope edging (top and sides); Tudor royal shield, garter, crown and supporters (crowned lion and dragon); date above crown; empty motto compartment with initials below.

Notes: Identical arms can be seen on fireback formerly at Baynards Park, Cranleigh (no. 200), and on one in private hands at Maresfield (no. 482), neither of which have the motto compartment; minor variations in the position of individual elements indicate that the garter and shield, crown, and each supporter were separately stamped; the initials are likely to be those of Henry Bowyer, ironmaster (d.1588), the fireback perhaps being made in his memory.

Inscription: 1588 HB

Arms: Tudor royal (Elizabeth I)