Firebacks

Description: Rectangular; cavetto-moulded edging; top centre, date, above initials; two low-relief fleurs de lys down each side from top corners, and central fleur below and between the initials.

Notes: The initials may relate to William Boevey who was owner of Flaxley furnace from 1683-92. Another fireback with the same date and initials, and more fleurs, is also known.

Inscription: 1685 / W B

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with ‘nutshell’ edging on a broad fillet; figure with a floral headdress, holding a parasol in his left hand, sitting in a chariot, with foliate seat-back, drawn to the left by two lions; the whole upon a masonry causeway with pilasters; a heron flying to the left; above, swagged drapery; arched rectangular shaped border with fillet edging, symmetrical tendrils descending from a scallop shell; on top, symmetrical plant tendrils.

Notes: The design is derived from a personification of Africa, one of a set of playing cards entitled 'Jeu de la Géographie', designed by Stefano della Bella (1677); the flying heron has been copied from a print by Wenceslaus Hollar c.1658 of an etching by Francis barlow. Design elements at the bottom of the plate seen on other firebacks in this series, such as plant tendrils and a probable SHR monogram, are absent, the fireback probably having been reduced in height when cast, possibly to fit the fireplace.

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with bead-on-fillet edging; pictorial scene of Jesus sitting at the well with the woman of Samaria standing opposite, a rural scene behind, trees on each side and clouds with sunrays above; arched rectangular border with fillet edging; central cartouche at top, with festoons of fruit, flowers and leaves suspended on each side from ribbons supported by rings; at the bottom, swirled ribbon around an oval compartment bearing the inscription 'L6C'; on top, a central cartouche from which descend a cornucopia on each side of the arch.

Notes: The scene, seen on many German firebacks and stoveplates, is from St John's gospel, chapter 4; the inscription at the bottom indicates the style of border; other firebacks with the same inscription have the same border; similar inscriptions (e.g. L7C and L8G) indicate different borders.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: L6C

Description: Upon a rectangular base plinth with an inscribed rectangle, to each side, a wide foliate scroll; central cartouche behind an oval shield bearing three fleurs-de-lys over a horizontally textured ground, supported on each side by a draped male figure, the whole surmounted by a French royal crown; on top, an arch rising from horizontal moulding on each side.

Notes: Characteristic of designs illustrated by architects such as Daniel Marot; the texturing on the shield indicates the azure tincture.

Arms: French royal

Description: Rectangular; cyma curve and fillet edging; crowned Tudor rose within a pediment resting on Tuscan pilasters and pedestals.

Notes: The rose and crown are more finely modelled than other versions.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Description: Rectangular shape; double astragal edging (top and sides); arrangement of repeated square stamps with indented saltires: three down each side, five in a diamond pattern top centre.

Notes: The lines around the edge may well have been formed from impressing a straight edge of some sort.