Firebacks

Description: Canted rectangular shape with inclined sides; cavetto-moulded edging (top and sides); horizontal fillet parallel to the top edge divided by two further fillets, in the centre the initials in capitals in triad, and at each end a lion rampant stamp facing inwards and inclined upwards towards the centre; below the lions, two inclined vertical fillets, parallel to the sides of the plate, each enclosing down the sides a double fleur-de-lys stamp and a flowerhead stamp repeated twice on each side and arranged alternately; in the panel below the initials, two different animal figures of indeterminate type, possibly monkeys.

Notes: The rampant lion, double fleur and flowerhead stamps have all been noted on other firebacks in a series identified on most backs with the initials I and B at the base of the plate. The initials are not present on this casting although the inclusion of I and B in the triad at the top could suggest that this fireback was personal to the founder and his wife. Of note are the impressions of the lions which overstamp the fillet below, indicating that they were placed after the fillet. Unlike the other backs in this series this example is undated. Wincanton Auctions, 24 Oct 2024, lot 540 (£35); Bellmans Auction, Wisborough Green, 13 May 2025, lot 562 (£60).

Inscription: IBE [triad]

Description: Canted rectangle; cavetto-moulded edging; three horizontal strips bearing a fine repeated ribbing: one horizontal below canted corners, and two vertical strips parallel to each side, dividing the fireback into two side panels, two top corner panels, top panel and main central panel; in each top corner panel a flower head stamp; top panel, date between a repeated double fleur-de-lys stamp; in each side panel, a stamp formed of an arrangement of scrolled tendrils, with a double fleur-de-lys stamp below; central panel, a flower head stamp in each top corner.

Notes: The divided structure of the decoration and the use of flower head and double fleur stamps places this fireback in the series identified on some castings with the initials IB. The tendril decoration in the side panels has not been seen on other backs in the series. Bellmans Auction, Wisborough Green, 8-10 Sep 2025, lot 703 (£30).

Inscription: 1702

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with 'nutshell' on fillet edging; on a ground with a tree to the left, a semi-naked figure of a man wearing a crown, his head turned to his left, robed about his waist, his left arm akimbo and his right hand holding a bident resting on his right shoulder, above are clouds and a sun ray; arched rectangular fillet border with suspended ribbons with floral bunches; at bottom centre, a cartouche bearing the letter ‘N’ between swirled foliage; on top, two stylised mirrored serpents with central swirled foliage.

Notes: The bident identifies the figure as the god Pluto/Hades, ruler of the underworld. The suspended ribbons and floral bunches in the border are similar to those seen on the Mayfield 'Dutch' series (e.g. no. 930). This is a copy of an earlier casting, a horizontal crack in the original having been preserved on the lower right side. Evidence of the crack on the reverse of the fireback indicates that the copy was cast in a box mould, rather than in a traditional open sand mould.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: N

Description: Arched rectangular shape; no edging; date in arch; initials in wide triad below.

Notes: A rather crudely cast fireback; rivets indicate repair. Wotton Auctions, Wotton-under-Edge, 30 Apr-1 May 2019, lot 1138.

Inscription: 16 59 / W R [or P] F [triad]

Description: Curved ogee-arched rectangular with egg and dart moulding along top, supported by Ionic pilasters; English Stuart royal shield, garter, helm, crown, motto and supporters; date below and either side of garter.

Notes: One of several firebacks, all of the same date, but varying in size, framing style and moulding; all have stylistic features in common and will have been the work of the same pattern maker, who was also responsible for carving royal coats of arms in three West Country churches. A casting of this design serves as a royal armorial in St Lawrence's church, Bigbury, Devon.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: HONI + SOIT + QVI + MAL + Y + PENSE / 16 18

Arms: English Stuart royal (James I)

Description: Rectangular; twisted rope edging on top and (probably both) sides; cavetto-moulded-edged rectangle top centre, enclosing date between initials; 13 shields of Ayloffe impaling Sulyard in three rows (5-4-4), the bottom row having a gap between the middle pair of shields; Ayloffe: sable, a lion rampant Or, collared gules, between three crosses formy of the second; Sulyard: argent, a chevron gules between three pheons inverted sable.

Notes: William Ayloffe (c1535-1584) of Bretons, Hornchurch, Essex, Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, married (c1560) Jane, dau. of Sir Eustace Sulyard, of Runwell, Essex. About 110mm of the left side has broken off suggesting an original width of 1340mm. The initials 'CT' are likely to be those of Charles Tyler, a founder whose working life and that of his family have strong parallels with the occurrence of these firebacks.

Inscription: C 1610 T

Arms: Ayloffe impaling Sulyard (William Ayloffe of Bretons, Hornchurch)

Description: Rectangular with canted top corners; twisted rope edging (top and sides); top centre, date formed from a single stamp, over-pressed; monogram below date.

Notes: Dates formed from a single stamp are uncommon, this series being distinguished by this practice.

Inscription: 1632 / HPE