Firebacks

Description: Arched shape with forward-facing 'wings', which splay outwards towards the base, curved to follow the shape of the main panel; central panel with stylised tree decoration surmounted with a scallop shell between six 'leaves' (one damaged).

Notes: This small, but unusual, casting was probably cast in an open box mould as the upcast (reverse) side of the casting shows evidence of being sand-treated. Only a very small number of such castings are known. Depth 200mm.

Description: Originally rectangular; two identical panels, each with braid edging, a vine standard with six bunches of grapes and a cluster at the top.

Notes: A single panel repeated, confirming the ‘modular’ assembly of the ‘Armada’ type of fireback; fire-damaged, hence the distorted shape. Recovered from the fire at Nymans, Handcross, Sussex.