Firebacks

Description: Rectangular with superimposed arch; embattled, cavetto moulded edging, with the top edge of the rectangle interrupted; shield, garter, crown, supporters and motto of the English Royal house of Stuart; rose and thistle plants above lion and unicorn supporters respectively; initials split by crown; date below garter.

Notes: A version dated 1619 is proportioned slightly differently and has smaller rose and thistle plant stamps.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: I R / 16 21

Arms: English Stuart royal - James I

Description: Rectangular with superimposed arch; embattled, cavetto moulded edging, with the top edge of the rectangle interrupted; shield, garter, crown, supporters and motto of the English Royal house of Stuart; rose and thistle plants above lion and unicorn supporters respectively; initials split by crown; date below garter.

Notes: A different version is at Newick Park, Sussex (no. 502).

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: I R / HONI S OIT QVI MAL Y ..ENSE / 16 19

Arms: English Stuart royal

Description: Arched rectangular shape; cavetto-moulded edging (top and sides); English Stuart Royal arms, garter, supporters, crown and motto; altered date above crown.

Notes: This design, which probably dates from 1619, has been used to cast composite firebacks with a variety of altered dates ranging from 1629 to 1662.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 1639 [illegible Garter and royal mottoes]

Arms: English Stuart royal

Description: Arched rectangular shape; embattled cavetto-moulded edging; shield, garter, supporters and crown of James I of England; a branch sprouting a rose and leaf to the left of the crown, a branch sprouting a thistle and leaf to the right; initials at top, split by crown; date below shield.

Notes: Similar in style to the 1619 series, this plate has larger rose and thistle plant stamps and was probably designed by the same pattern-maker

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: I R / 16 21

Arms: English Stuart royal - James I

Description: Canted rectangle; embattled, cavetto moulded edging; central tree with fruit and leaves, a snake, facing right, with a human face in profile entwined, in ‘S’ shape, around the trunk and lower branches; to the left, a naked, bearded male figure holding an apple in his left hand and a branch in his right for modesty; to the right a naked female figure with apple and branch also; the date split either side of the snake and tree trunk.

Notes: Similarities with an armorial in the date, numerals and edging suggest a common pattern-maker.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 16 19