Large Antique 18th Century George III Statuary White Marble Fire Surround

A very rare 18th century George II sienna and white statuary marble fire surround in the manner of Louis XV, designed by Isaac Ware. Principally of well figured sienna marble with statuary marble shelf and embellishments. Of serpentine form, the frieze centred by a carved statuary peacock flanked by scrolling acanthus leaves. The hipped jambs mounted with ‘C’ scrolls above an elaborate acanthus ‘S’ scroll terminating in a rosette and suspending graduated husks. The whole standing on block feet. Provenance: Philip Stanhope (1694-1772) 4th. Earl of Chesterfield, Chesterfield House, London. One of the most important figures of the 18th Century in England; a man of letters, connoisseur of the arts, diplomat, he was sent as a young man to the court of Louis XV. The Earl, very much a courtier and ‘townsman’, having spent time in Paris and Versailles, became passionate about the ‘style á la française’. It is very curious then that he should have chosen such a classical architect as Isaac Ware. Ware heavily influenced the design of the ground floor where the dining room, library, waiting room amongst others were situated. In stark contrast the first floor ‘piano nobile...

A large polished steel firegrate in the late Georgian style. The pierced, fluted fret with beading above and below, the burning area with shaped front bars, flanked by steel finials....