Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with bead on broad fillet edging; two-handled vase standing on a ground, with flowers and oak fronds issuing therefrom in a symmetrical display; arched rectangular border with fillet edging; symmetrical undulating vine with flowers and leaves descending from a trio of flowers; at the bottom, the letter W in a cartouche between swirled foliage; on top, mirrored swirled foliage issuing upwards from a mythical creature on each shoulder.

Notes: The floral theme and its execution shows parallels with the SHR, N and 1724 series of firebacks and could be from the same workshop. The 'W' initial probably denotes the pattern maker.

Inscription: W

Description: Canted rectangle; twisted rope edging; date along the top; initials in triad across the middle, inside canted rectangular rope border; fleur-de-lys stamp repeated five times down each side.

Notes: The initials probably represent those of a married couple, the 'V' for their surname; it is relatively unusual for twisted rope edging to continue along the bottom of the plate. The back was found in Massachusetts and may have been brought there by an early colonist.

Inscription: 1626 / MVS

Description: Arched; twisted rope edging; date at top; initials in triad below date.

Notes: A tall fireback in proportion to its height, probably specifically related to its early use with a coal fire.

Inscription: 1648 / TMH [triad]

Description: Rectangular shape; ovolo-moulded edging (top and sides); date top centre; initials split below date.

Notes: The initials are believed to relate to Thomas Hughes (1604-64), MP and Governor of Chepstow Castle, who lived at Moynes Court, Mathern; a slightly larger variant of the same date but without initials has been noted; the right edge is concealed behind stonework.

Inscription: 1658 / T H

Description: Arched; twisted rope edging; date at top; initials in triad below date.

Notes: An unusually tall fireback in proportion to its height, probably specifically related to its early use with a coal fire.

Inscription: 1648 / TMH [triad]

Description: Fragment (right side only); rectangular; twisted rope edging (top and sides); concentrically grooved disc repeated four times in a square arrangement, with a rope cross between (probably mirrored on the missing half).

Notes: It has not been established from what the circular disc stamp has been derived.

Description: Rectangular; ovolo moulded edging (top and sides), except for middle section on top, where twisted rope is used; quasi-symmetrical arrangement of twisted rope lengths in two rows of alternate diagonals, crossing in the middle on the top row, and crossing on the outside on the bottom.

Notes: The section of rope edging on the top suggests that an arch had been removed from the base pattern board. The arrangement of rope lengths may have apotropaic significance, the double 'v' alluding to the Virgin Mary.

Description: Rectangular with pediment; ovolo moulded edging inside top of pediment and inside top and sides of rectangle; central talbot crest within wreath and eight-pointed star, between four fleurs-de-lys.

Notes: The wreath and talbot crest are identical to those on a 1584 fireback in the Victoria & Albert Museum; one of the ‘Royal’ series.

Description: Rectangular with 5-facetted arch; twisted rope edging; centre top, rectangular stamp, over-pressed, with crown above initials in bottom corners; diamond shaped stamp with fleur-de-lys repeated each side of crown, both over-pressed; spillage blemish below left fleur.

Notes: Notable for the large size of the fleur-de-lys stamp; this casting differs from another (no. 1164) in the placement of the stamps.

Inscription: E R

Description: Arched rectangular shape; fillet edging; shield, helm, crest and mantling of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths (see Fig. 3); date in top corners; initials at bottom, below mantling; two planklines.

Notes: One of the hooked ‘1’ series; a copy from an evenly impressed original. Copies of this fireback were advertised in Kings Worthy Foundry's (Winchester) catalogue in the mid-20th century.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 16 50 / I M

Arms: Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths