Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with bead-and-pellet edging on a broad fillet; pictorial scene of a figure in a chariot drawn by birds, above a ground, and with clouds over; arched rectangular border with fillet edging; alternating acanthus leaves with symmetrical curled lines, monogram centre bottom; on top, two mirrored sea serpents; extension panels to each side.

Notes: The figure is that of Jupiter, holding a bolt of lightning, who is sometimes portrayed in a chariot drawn by eagles; width without extension panels - 477mm.

Inscription: [?]WH

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with bead edging; caped naked male figure standing on clouds, head turned over his right shoulder and holding a coronet of five raised baubles aloft in his right hand, on his left hand a bird perched, its wings displayed; above left a cloud; arched rectangular fillet border containing symmetrical, regularly-spaced 'daisy' flowers and festoons of leaves descending there from; on top of the arch, a central cartouche with a mirrored eagle and scrolls on each side.

Notes: The bottom panel of the border is missing, perhaps through breakage, the bottom flower on each side being incomplete and the fillet edging discontinued. The figure, which has yet to be identified, is probably iconic or mythological. The form of the arch suggests an English origin.

Description: Arched rectangular central panel, astragal and fillet edge, pictorial, Hercules, sword in hand, preparing to slay the Hydra; Arched rectangular border, fillet edge, ivy leaves and tendrils, monogram at bottom; swirled foliage on top.

Notes: The wooden pattern for this fireback, formerly in the custody of William Hobday (d. 1883), last surviving ironworker at Ashburnham furnace, was given to the Sussex Archaeological Society by the Earl of Ashburnham.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: TAN